Survey: Physicians’ Burnout Declining, Stress and Anxiety Increasing

September 18, 2025

On September 17, The Physicians Foundation announced findings from its 2025 Wellbeing Survey of America’s Physicians, revealing a troubling paradox: while reported burnout has declined from last year, physicians’ stress and anxiety have risen to levels not seen since the height of the pandemic.   

The Foundation’s latest version of its survey also showed that physicians continue to face mounting challenges that exacerbate burnout, including stigma and structural barriers surrounding mental health care access. In recognition of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day (NPSA Day) on September 17, The Physicians Foundation and The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation continue their call for systemic change through Vital Signs: The Campaign to Prevent Physician Suicide.  

Throughout 2025, the U.S. healthcare landscape has been reshaped by significant changes: ongoing consolidation in healthcare, evolving reimbursement models, the widespread rise of mis- and disinformation, and major leadership and policy shifts within agencies, such as HHS, CDC, and NIH, affecting physicians’ ability to deliver cost-effective, high-quality care, and transforming how physicians practice and engage with their patients. The Foundation’s latest survey on physician wellbeing showcases the impact on physicians.  

Key findings include:  

• 57% of physicians felt inappropriate anger, tearfulness or anxiety in the past year—levels similar to 2021–2022.  

• 46% withdrew from family, friends or co-workers, up from 38% last year.  

• 34% felt hopeless or without purpose, up from ~30% last year and consistent with rates in 2023 and earlier (34–35%).  

• More than half of physicians have felt levels of debilitating stress (55%).  

• While a majority of physicians still report they often have feelings of burnout, this proportion declined significantly this year (from 60% to 54%).  

• More than seven in 10 (73%) agree that there is stigma surrounding mental health and seeking mental healthcare among physicians, declining from eight in 10 reported last year. 

The MMA and its Foundation are advancing several initiatives to help address these challenges. This includes offering peer-led suicide prevention training to all MMA members; launching Treat Yourself First, a statewide campaign designed to reduce stigma around seeking help; and developing resources to ensure physicians have confidential support when they need it.