Skip to main content

Ask anyone in physical therapy what some of the important issues impacting the profession are, and I guarantee most of those lists will include clinician burnout. I would go as far to say that even when other issues are listed, they, too, lead to burnout.

That's an important nuance. These "other" issues — things such as payment (reimbursement to some), productivity standards, expectations for more standardized care, student debt, and stagnating wages — are massive, systemic problems that point past the individual and even the profession as a whole, and point toward a nationwide health care and educational system. The expectations place on the healthcare system is often in contrast with best practice and creates barriers to prioritizing quality care above other stakeholders. Through this lens, burnout extends beyond an individual shortcoming.

Log in or create a free account to keep reading.


Join APTA to get unlimited access to content.


You Might Also Like...

News

Rural Health Care Workforce Shortages Highlighted in Congressional Hearing

Feb 25, 2026

This week, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, through which most legislation affecting Medicare and Medicaid passes, held a hearing titled

Article

Now Streaming on Hulu and Disney+: ChoosePT "Future You" Video

Feb 23, 2026

Have you ever imagined going back in time and giving advice to your younger self? APTA's new ChoosePT editorial video "Future You" asks viewers to do just

Open Access

Directory of Postdoctoral Programs

Feb 12, 2026

The postdoctoral programs listed provide opportunities for research and education post academic doctoral degree (ie, PhD) for PTs.