Key takeaways
- Anesthesiology clinicians often enter medicine with a strong sense of calling, but systemic pressures can weaken that purpose over time.
- Burnout is driven less by personal failure and more by administrative burden, workplace demands and limited space for meaningful patient care.
- Flexibility, support systems and self-care can help clinicians reconnect with purpose and sustain fulfilling careers.
When most clinicians first enter medicine, they carry a powerful sense of mission and drive. Our research shows that approximately 90% of healthcare providers initially view medicine as a calling, wanting to pursue a profession rooted in a deeper drive to serve humanity.
Yet somewhere along the way, that fire and passion dims for many.
For anesthesia professionals, balancing a sense of purpose with the realities of a demanding career has become more challenging than ever.
We explored the evolving anesthesia landscape with CRNA Minwoo Kim. With his upcoming attendance as a CRNA ambassador for LocumTenenes.com at the 2026 AANA Confrence in August, he spoke about his calling, how he stays engaged and how clinicians can rediscover their purpose amid systemic pressure.
The calling that started it all
For many clinicians, the decision to pursue medicine stems from deep personal experiences. In fact, 73% of surveyed clinicians said their primary motivation for entering medicine was a desire to help others and serve humanity. Kim was inspired by witnessing the empathy of the medical professionals that cared for his brother with cerebral palsy.
“My brother spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital for treatments and surgeries,” said Kim. “Seeing the compassion and dedication of the people who cared for him left a lasting impression on me. Their support planted a seed in me that has grown over the years, inspiring me to pursue a career in medicine and be able to provide that same level of care for others.”
For many, it’s that kind of calling that draws them to anesthesiology: the opportunity to support surgical patients through critical moments.
When systems overwhelm calling
Nearly half of research respondents reported that their sense of calling has weakened over time. The culprits? Administrative burden, regulatory complexities, productivity quotas and workplace pressures that leave little room for the human side of medicine.
The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) reports that nearly four in 10 CRNAs met clinical burnout criteria during the pandemic.
“One of the biggest challenges I’ve seen in clinical practice is handling the emotional weight that comes with the work,” said Kim. “Bearing witness to suffering, balancing heavy caseloads and navigating a system that doesn’t always make it easy to prioritize patient centered care takes its toll.”
About one in three clinicians said they wouldn’t choose medicine again if they could start over. An even higher percentage reported they would not recommend it to younger generations. And while 67% of Gen X clinicians said medicine was a calling, only about half of millennials (50%) and Gen X (51%) shared that perspective.
These numbers reflect the real toll of practicing in systems that prioritize efficiency over the meaningful patient interactions that first drew clinicians to the profession.
How to sustain and reignite purpose
Rediscovering purpose often begins with intentionally reflecting on the moments that make the work meaningful. Clinicians are encouraged to identify experiences that reaffirm why they entered medicine, whether that's solving complex clinical problems, making critical decisions or building meaningful relationships with patients. In fact, 52% of clinicians say their greatest sense of fulfillment comes from problem-solving and clinical decision-making.
Kim emphasized the importance of building a strong support system. Debriefing with colleagues and participating in mentorship, both as a mentor and a mentee, can provide perspective, reinforce purpose and create a sense of shared understanding.
“As an experienced clinician, I find that mentoring new CRNAs not only helps them grow and succeed but also strengthens my own sense of calling,” he said. “Patient interactions, advocating for patients within the healthcare system and celebrating the ‘small victories’ of everyday practice are what keep me grounded in my work.”
Sustaining that purpose also requires caring for oneself outside of work. The AANA recommends prioritizing personal well-being as a key strategy for preventing burnout and compassion fatigue.
By setting boundaries, learning to say no, taking time off, maintaining physical health and investing in relationships and meaningful activities beyond medicine, clinicians reconnect with themselves and build stronger resilience.
How locums helps gain control
Purpose isn't something that's only lost; it can also be intentionally rediscovered. Giving physicians and advanced practice providers greater control over how, when and where they work creates space to recharge, reconnect with what matters most and return to patient care with renewed energy.
That's where locum tenens can make a meaningful difference.
By offering flexibility and choice, locums empowers clinicians to build careers that support both their professional goals and personal well-being, allowing medicine to remain a fulfilling part of their lives rather than consuming them.
“Working with LocumTenens.com has helped me limit burnout and maintain my passion for patient care,” he said. “With the flexibility to choose assignments that align with my values and lifestyle, I’m able to reconnect with my original motivation for entering medicine by being more present with patients.
These themes continue to shape discussions throughout the anesthesiology profession, and clinicians interested in exploring them further can hear additional insights from Minwoo Kim on the Core Anesthesia Podcast, exploring key topics shaping anesthesiology like clinical practice, workforce trends and evolving changes in the field.
Interested in learning more about topics like these? Use our exclusive Core Anesthesia CME membership discount to access educational content, podcasts, professional development resources and apply for scholarships, and stop by our booth at ANNA to continue the conversation in person.
