Laura Vater: Clinicians with the highest empathy levels and patient satisfaction scores are at a higher risk of burnout

Laura Vater shared a post on X:

“Clinicians with the highest empathy levels and patient satisfaction scores are at a higher risk of burnout.

They may feel immense pressure to provide care that is beyond their human limits (physically & emotionally).

Just a reminder that you are human, and you deserve rest, too.”

Dr. Laura B. Vater is a gastrointestinal oncologist at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, specializing in colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, liver, and bile duct cancers. She developed the SMILE Scale in 2017, a tool used globally to help patients and clinicians prioritize health. Her research interests include narrative medicine to enhance clinician empathy and support caregivers in their work.