Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

Fall 10-5-2026

Abstract

Background: Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, its long-term psychological impact on physicians remains important to assess. Physicians experienced PTSD, burnout, anxiety, insomnia, distress, and depression, yet few studies reported outcomes disaggregated by race, limiting understanding of disparities among marginalized physicians.

Objectives: To quantify the prevalence of mental health outcomes among U.S. physicians during COVID-19 and identify interventions and systemic strategies to mitigate physician mental health burdens during future public health emergencies.

Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Lincoln Memorial University Library were searched for studies published from 2020–2025. Of 48 studies identified, 21 met inclusion criteria. Three reviewers screened studies and extracted quantitative data on physician mental health outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist, and aggregated data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Depression (20.8%, n=4,733), anxiety (26.3%, n=4,370), distress (33.0%, n=1,573), burnout (29.9%, n=2,446), and insomnia (14.3%, n=259) were identified. Female physicians generally reported greater burnout, depression, PTSD, and work-life imbalance. Younger age, less experience, greater COVID-19 exposure, childcare stress, and prior mental health diagnoses were also associated with poorer outcomes.

Conclusions: Mental health outcomes affected approximately one-quarter to one-third of physicians during COVID-19. Future research should emphasize longitudinal, trauma informed approaches and culturally responsive interventions, including peer support and osteopathic practices such as OMM, to support physician well-being.

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