When doctors falter: Resilience in modern obstetrics and gynecology, a narrative review.

The practice of obstetrics and gynecology (O&G) is frequently regarded as one of the most demanding medical specialties, with physicians being called to duty at any hour of the day or night, with acute patient demands requiring prompt management. Consequently, high levels of physician burnout and psychological distress have been reported among O&G healthcare professionals, with these challenges further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the prevalence of mental health difficulties, many healthcare professionals do not seek out professional intervention and support. Within O&G, trainees appear vulnerable, with studies reporting significant rates of stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. These mental health challenges contribute to reduced job satisfaction, increased intentions to leave specialist training programs, and growing concerns regarding physician attrition and workforce retention. In this context, physician resilience (i.e., the ability to excel in the face of adversity) emerges as an area worthy of exploration. This narrative review explores the multifaceted emotional and practical elements of physician resilience and grit in contemporary obstetrics and gynecology practice. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland library database, employing terms related to physician wellbeing, burnout and interventions specifically related to obstetrics and gynecology. Inclusion criteria were limited to full text, English-language articles published within the past 10 years to ensure relevance to contemporary practice. The review examines the interrelationship between physician burnout, mental health challenges among O&G trainees, and their impact on attrition rates. We aim to highlight the need for practical interventions at institutional levels with consideration of environmental/workplace factors, which might improve physician wellbeing and grit, strengthen workforce retention, and ultimately optimize patient care.