Factors Associated with Burnout, Low Professional Fulfillment, and Intention to Leave Among Biomedical Research Faculty.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of burnout (BO), low professional fulfillment (PF), and intention to leave (ITL) among biomedical research faculty at an urban healthcare system.

METHODS

An anonymous survey was distributed to faculty in 2024, assessing demographics, workplace characteristics, culture, and stressors, leadership perceptions, and outcomes (BO, PF, ITL).

RESULTS

Among research faculty (n=445; 43.3% response rate), an uncaring work environment and lower psychological safety were associated with both BO and low PF, with stress from uncompensated service additionally linked to BO. Lower leadership perceptions, uncaring work environment perceptions, and lower faculty rank were associated with higher odds of ITL.

CONCLUSION

The consistent association of workplace culture, psychological safety, and leadership support with occupational well-being among biomedical research faculty underscores the importance of targeting these modifiable factors through institutional interventions.