Can Perfectionism Lead to Burnout? | Episode 27 | Reviving Vet Med

There is no doubt that perfectionism can wreak havoc on our mental health and wellbeing. In fact, research demonstrates that veterinarians who experience perfectionism are more susceptible to distress during triggering stressful events. Likewise, physicians with self-oriented perfectionism are more likely to experience symptoms of burnout in the form of emotional exhaustion. 

Because so many veterinary professionals self-identify as perfectionists, it is important to discuss perfectionism candidly in relation to the signs, consequences, and strategies for limiting its impact on our lives. In this episode, I answer the questions: How do you know if you have perfectionism? Is perfectionism good or bad? When is perfectionism a problem? How is perfectionism linked to burnout? And how can perfectionism be lessened in ourselves? 

Resource

If you struggle with procrastination because of your perfectionism please listen to Episode 23 - Seven Strategies for Preventing Procrastination: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2011463/11254172

Research

Perfectionism as a predictor of physician burnout (article): https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-022-08785-7 

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