Worklife Balance

The issue of physician burnout has received substantial attention in the medical literature and the workplace. Less attention has been paid to prevention. Work-life balance can be destabilized by both external and internal factors. Although external factors are controlled by employers and institutions, internal factors are under individual control. This commentary aims to help physicians identify and manage realities surrounding professional life so as to achieve overall life balance. We define overall life balance as achieving the proper mix of the 3 key life components- work, yourself, and others, enough of the time, to experience a satisfied, meaningful life that fulfills your unique goals.