For our 3rd installment on moral injury, Dr Jenny Byrne MD PhD describes an encounter with a female medical student who weighed her vocational path against perceived work-life balances. The concept of “leaning out,” where individuals reduce professional engagement to balance personal priorities, is increasingly observed in healthcare worldwide. This trend aligns with millennial values of work-life balance and flexibility, contrasting with the traditional expectation of 24/7 commitment in medical professions. However, it is also driven by moral injury—the distress caused by working in systems that hinder clinicians from practicing in alignment with their values.
Globally, millennials in healthcare emphasize flexibility, mental health, and autonomy, reshaping traditional roles by opting for part-time or temporary work—often driven by systemic pressures like administrative burdens and resource constraints. Moral injury, a universal challenge, exacerbates this shift, prompting clinicians to pull back from full-time commitments. While this provides temporary relief, it fails to address the root causes of burnout and disengagement, which undermine empathy, communication, and patient care. Countries with strong clinician-patient trust and systemic support for work-life balance tend to achieve better outcomes. Adopting global best practices, such as equitable workloads, mental health resources, and flexible schedules, could help healthcare systems like those in the U.S. mitigate disengagement and improve overall care.
As our healthcare force evolves, millennials specifically drive a shift in professional values. Healthcare systems need to consider the impact of traditional administrative constructs. Addressing moral injury and creating flexible, supportive environments can benefit to engage clinicians and patients alike, fostering trust, engagement, and better outcomes across diverse healthcare systems. This generational and global perspective highlights the need for systemic reform to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery.
Do you feel like you have chosen a vocational path that aligns with your perceived work-life balance? If so, take the time time to comment below!