Burnout Syndrome Among Turkish Otolaryngologists Performing Rhinoplasty Surgery.

OBJECTIVES

Burnout syndrome represents a significant concern among physicians, particularly in surgical specialties. This study investigated burnout prevalence among Turkish otolaryngologists and examined the relationship between rhinoplasty practice and burnout dimensions.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2024 to February 2025, distributing 200 surveys to Turkish otolaryngologists, of whom 84 (42%) completed the validated Turkish 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and correlation analyses.

RESULTS

Eighty-four otolaryngologists participated (mean age 38.2 years; 88.1% male). Overall burnout prevalence was low (7.1%). Sixty-four participants (76.2%) performed rhinoplasty surgery. Rhinoplasty surgeons demonstrated significantly higher personal accomplishment scores versus non-rhinoplasty surgeons (3.55 ± 0.68 vs. 2.99 ± 1.02; p = 0.005). No significant differences were observed in emotional exhaustion or depersonalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Active rhinoplasty engagement is associated with significantly higher personal accomplishment among Turkish otolaryngologists, suggesting rhinoplasty practice may enhance professional fulfillment rather than contribute to burnout. These findings challenge prevailing assumptions about aesthetic surgery's psychological impact.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 (cross-sectional study).