Breaking the burnout cycle: How global health volunteerism is revitalizing clinicians
In the demanding realm of medicine, burnout looms as a persistent threat, weighing heavily on clinicians' well-being. As one of the most significant and pressing issues in health systems worldwide, there is an urgent need for solutions to healthcare provider burnout.
Studies have shown the transformative power of global volunteer engagements for clinicians experiencing burnout. A small amount of meaningful medical volunteer work can alleviate provider burnout, rekindle passion, and enhance job satisfaction.
World Telehealth Initiative provides clinicians with fulfilling opportunities to share their expertise and foster remarkable change in underserved areas. They can step outside of their daily routines to collaborate with and mentor colleagues in low-resource areas while advancing healthcare for patients. In doing so, they are reminded of why they chose to become healthcare providers in the first place, reigniting their passion for their work and reducing burnout.
A volunteer physician, Dr. Schwartzkopf, leads a lecture for clinicians in Kenya from his home.
The flexible nature of WTI programs enables healthcare providers to make an incredible impact on communities worldwide from the comfort of their home or office. We pair our clinicians with opportunities to support low-resource clinics and hospitals that are tailored to their skills, interests, and availability.
Through our new health system membership program, World Telehealth Initiative offers our health system partners an organized and convenient volunteer program for their healthcare providers. By providing meaningful opportunities for their clinicians, they can increase retention and engagement while simultaneously contributing to healthcare equity.
A couple of World Telehealth Initiative physicians share their experience volunteering:
On the telehealth device, Dr. Ron Patrick helps examine a patient in Bangladesh with an on-site physician.
“I find my time working with the medical providers and the patients in Bangladesh extremely fulfilling… It makes me so happy knowing that these providers will use what they have learned through our telehealth clinics to care for patients throughout their careers.”
– Dr. Ron Patrick
“I feel a sense of fulfillment that can only be achieved by helping others… Professionally, sharing knowledge and experience always feels special and gives one a feeling of accomplishment in a way that nothing material or tangible can."
– Dr. Christina Borsari
The healthcare workforce needs meaning and satisfaction in their work, free from burnout. We also believe everyone deserves access to high-quality healthcare, no matter where they live. By providing fulfilling volunteer opportunities, we are able to achieve both of these goals—expanding healthcare access for communities in need while supporting the well-being of physicians around the world.