Doctors Are Calling It Quits Under Stress of the Pandemic

As stated in this article by The New York Times, a survey conducted in July by the nonprofit group the Physicians Foundation show that thousands of medical practices have closed during the pandemic. About 8% of the doctors reported closing their offices in recent months, which the foundation estimated could equal some 16,000 practices. Another 4% said they planned to close within the next year.

Sadly, some doctors and nurses are retiring early or leaving their jobs. Some worry about their own health because of age or a medical condition that puts them at high risk. Others stopped practicing during the worst of the outbreaks and don’t have the energy to start again. And there are some who simply need a break from the toll that the pandemic has taken on them.

The clinicians also painted a grim picture of their lives, as the pandemic enters a newly robust phase with record case counts in the United States. About half already said their mental exhaustion was at an all-time high. Many worried about keeping their doors open, and about 7% said they were not sure they could remain open past December without financial help.