September 10. 2026
CAP Wellness Resources for Pathologists
American Hospital Association: Be Well Resources
National Academy of Medicine: Clinician Resilience and Well-being
Transcript
Elizabeth McMahon
At some point in their careers, most pathologists have felt it. Overwhelmed, exhausted, disengaged, burned out.
Dr. Cullen Lilley
Our job is incredibly mentally straining. There is a lot of administrative tasks as well, so it is definitely ripe with burnout in some areas.
Elizabeth McMahon
Coming up, how a holistic approach to wellness is helping to lift the burden of burnout in pathology. This is Path News Network Daily Edition from the College of American Pathologists. I'm Elizabeth McMahon with a special edition of the podcast. It's Thursday, September 10th. Predictable hours, limited patient interaction, healthy work-life balance. That's a traditional description of pathology that may ring true for some in the field. But in a specialty where caseloads are rising, demand for pathologists outpaces supply, and advances come fast, burnout can make balance feel like a distant memory for others. In fact, 41% of practicing pathologists experience at least one symptom of burnout all the time, according to a 2022 CAP survey of nearly 400 respondents. 39% said these feelings made them consider quitting. A separate survey found that pathologists in the first year of residency and in the first three years of practice reported the highest rates of burnout. Burnout is top of mind for many early career pathologists, says Dr. Colin Lilly, Chief Resident at UCLA Health's Pathology Program and Chair of the CAP Residence Forum Executive Committee.
Dr. Cullen Lilley
You know, we are generally we feel lucky in pathology that we don't have as long hours as other clinical colleagues. However, our job is incredibly mentally straining. There is a lot of administrative tasks as well, so it is definitely ripe with burnout in some areas.
Elizabeth McMahon
In recent years, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, the field has embraced a more holistic approach to address burnout rather than leaving individuals to fend for themselves. Dr. Marissa St. Martin has led the CAP's wellness project for more than five years, promoting a three-pronged approach that includes the institution, the individual, and importantly, colleagues.
Dr. Marisa Saint Martin
We work with them, we work together in order to um have that relational um um part of our life, right? We spend sometimes more hours at work than what we spend at home, and and if we don't have that connectivity with our colleagues, that also influences the way we feel about the job that we do.
Elizabeth McMahon
Institutions are recognizing that wellness for patients starts with wellness for those who render the diagnosis. Among others, Stanford University and Mayo Clinic are leading efforts to support physician well-being and put research data behind the factors that lead to burnout. At the University of Alabama in Birmingham, pathology department leaders prioritize connection and wellness, says Dr. Alyssa Lee, a CAP member and hematopathology fellow. The department has a dedicated fund for resident and staff community building activities, including family outings and afterwork gatherings. Dr. Lee says when she sees stressed residents, she shares a southern phrase that guides her when she's overwhelmed.
Dr. Alyssa Lee
I say it all the time, give yourself grace. You're a PGY1, give yourself grace. You're a PGY4, give yourself grace, you're a fellow, give yourself grace, you're a new attendant, give yourself grace. You cannot possibly know everything that there is to know at all times from day one, and part of that is because this is such a broad field.
Elizabeth McMahon
The CAP also provides resources that can help, especially during the stressful residency years. The New in Practice Committee works with trainees and early career pathologists to understand the challenges of the job's early years. Dr. Lilley of UCLA Health says the Fall Residence Forum meeting at CAP 26 in Las Vegas will explore healthy habits that residents can use in their daily work.
Dr. Cullen Lilley
And finding out that someone else had an issue and they addressed it in a creative way is amazing. Because then you can bring that back to your program and say, this other program did this, why don't we try it? And um then being able to follow through with that is uh it's a powerful thing.
Elizabeth McMahon
The CAP mentorship program also connects pathologists who can support each other and provide guidance through burnout, transitions, and other challenging career moments, says Dr. Saint. Martin.
Dr. Marisa Saint Martin
Because of my work in wellness, um a lot of the people that seek my my, I don't know, mentorship or or you know, help, you know, with anything, it may come through that route. Like they're feeling burned out, and then they seek a mentor, and then just because I do have expertise in pathology and particularly in transfusion medicine, uh, they, you know, I can help them in career decisions or uh different paths that they can take within their career.
Elizabeth McMahon
At CAP26 sessions on October 3rd, 4th, and 5th, we'll explore challenges that fuel burnout and solutions to ease the burden. That's all for today's special episode of the Daily Edition. Be sure to check the show notes for resources and information about wellness and burnout. Got a story you'd like us to cover on the Daily Edition? Write to us at stories at cap.org. We're back at 5 a.m. Eastern for another episode of the Daily Edition. I'm Elizabeth McMahon. Have a great day.