"Burnout in Paediatric Surgery and Urology: A Paediatric Urologist’s Perspective"

As a paediatric urologist, I’ve spent years navigating the delicate balance of caring for my young patients while managing the emotional and physical demands of this field. Paediatric surgery and urology are incredibly rewarding—there’s nothing like seeing a child recover from a complex procedure or helping a family through a tough diagnosis. But let’s be honest: the weight of this work can take a toll. Burnout is real, and it’s something I’ve wrestled with firsthand.

The stakes in paediatric urology are high. Whether I’m repairing a congenital anomaly like hypospadias or managing a child’s recurrent urinary tract infections, precision is non-negotiable. Add to that the long hours, the emotional investment in every case, and the pressure to stay at the top of my game—it’s a recipe for exhaustion. I’ve had days where I’ve left the operating room feeling like I’ve given everything, only to realize there’s still a stack of charts waiting for me. Sound familiar to anyone else in healthcare?

Burnout doesn’t just hit us as individuals; it ripples out to our teams and our patients. I’ve seen colleagues in paediatric surgery push through fatigue, only to find their focus slipping. For me, it’s shown up as irritability at home or that nagging feeling that I’m not doing enough, even when I’m stretched thin. Studies show that over 50% of surgeons experience burnout at some point—paediatric specialists included. We’re not invincible, even if we’d like to think we are.

So, how do I keep going? It starts with recognizing the signs—mental fog, cynicism, that sense of detachment—and taking action. I’ve learned to carve out time for myself, whether it’s a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or a brisk walk to clear my head. Connecting with peers helps too; there’s something powerful about swapping stories with someone who gets it. And I lean on my team—nurses, residents, and staff who remind me we’re in this together.

To my fellow paediatric surgeons and urologists: we can’t pour from an empty cup. Our patients deserve us at our best, and that means prioritizing our own well-being. I’m passionate about this topic because I’ve been there, and I want to spark a conversation. How do you cope with burnout? What keeps you grounded in this demanding field?

Let’s keep supporting each other—because thriving, not just surviving, is the goal.

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