The Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society (SSVMS) has long prioritized physician well-being through its flagship Joy of Medicine program, which advocates for both systemic and individual approaches to wellness. Since 2018, the Society has conducted biennial surveys of physicians in the Greater Sacramento Area to track trends in burnout, identify causes of professional distress, and recommend evidence-based strategies to improve satisfaction and reduce attrition.
In the spring of 2025, SSVMS conducted its fourth regional well-being survey, building on data collected in 2018, 2020, and 2022. Distributed via email to practicing physicians throughout the region from March 25 to April 6, the survey once again sought to assess levels of burnout, evaluate the impact of previously implemented wellness interventions, and uncover opportunities for further organizational improvement.
The findings present a mixed picture: signs of improvement are encouraging, yet they are tempered by ongoing concerns that require attention and action.
Burnout Levels Decline, Outpacing the National Average
The headline statistic from the 2025 survey is one of cautious optimism. Burnout among Sacramento-area physicians has declined to 34%, down from a peak of 45% in 2022. This brings the regional burnout rate back in line with 2020 (33%) and 2018 (35%), and is significantly below the current national average of 44%.
This decrease suggests that local initiatives aimed at improving physician well-being – any of them rooted in recommendations from previous surveys – are having a measurable impact. Health systems and medical groups that have invested in physician-centered interventions appear to be reaping the benefits, not only in retention and morale but in improved care delivery.
Mental Health Support Access Declines – Especially Among Those Who Need It Most
Despite the positive trend in burnout rates, one troubling development is the steep decline in physicians accessing mental health counseling. In 2022, 66% of physicians had sought counseling or therapy. In 2025, that number dropped to just 33%.
Among physicians currently experiencing burnout, only 37% reported seeking counseling in the past year – down from 56% in 2022. This suggests a growing gap between those struggling with mental health challenges and those receiving support. Whether driven by time constraints, stigma, lack of access, or perceived ineffectiveness, this downward shift raises red flags for long-term sustainability.
SSVMS continues to urge medical groups and physician organizations to normalize the use of mental health services and to promote safe, stigma-free avenues for support. Peer support groups, professional counseling, and community-building events like those offered through the Joy of Medicine program remain critical tools in preventing physician isolation and distress.
Many Plan to Reduce Hours or Leave the Profession
Another pressing concern revealed in the survey is the growing number of physicians who anticipate cutting back. Just 58% of respondents said they plan to maintain their current level of clinical hours over the next five years. Among the rest, 22% plan to reduce their hours, and 20% expect to retire or stop seeing patients entirely.
Notably, among physicians who report burnout, nearly a third are under the age of 55 and plan to scale back their work. This trend points to a looming workforce shortage that could seriously impact patient care access in the region.
Recommendations for a Sustainable Future
- Hire More Physicians: Expanding staff to distribute patient loads more equitably is essential to combating overwork and the downstream effects of burnout.
- Integrate Artificial Intelligence: AI-assisted documentation and decision support tools within electronic health records can help minimize the administrative burden that consumes so much of a physician’s time.
- Support Healthy Habits: Offering nutritious meals and snacks for on-call or long-hour shifts may seem small, but it reflects a culture that values and supports physicians holistically.
- Promote Wellness Programs: Encouraging physicians to take advantage of wellness initiatives – such as those available through the Joy of Medicine – helps foster resilience and connection. Peer support sessions, mindfulness training, and confidential therapy options all serve to bolster mental health.
To counteract this potential shortfall and ensure long-term physician well-being, SSVMS has issued a new set of organizational recommendations. Chief among them is the need to reduce workloads and improve workflow efficiency:
A Strong Foundation, But More Work Ahead
Overall, the 2025 survey paints a picture of a region making progress, even as it grapples with emerging challenges. With burnout rates falling below national averages, Sacramento remains a relatively supportive environment for practicing physicians. However, the decline in mental health resource utilization and the anticipated drop in physician hours over the next five years suggest that the crisis is far from over.
SSVMS will continue to serve as a resource, convener, and advocate – sharing data, offering solutions, and standing beside physicians to ensure they receive the care they so often give to others. Because when physicians thrive, patients – and the entire community – benefit.
