This isn't burnout, it's moral injury episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 26, 2025 · 19 MIN

This isn't burnout, it's moral injury

from The Podcast by KevinMD

Family physician Jonathan Bushman discusses his article, "The hidden moral injury behind value-based health care." He shares the story of a young physician who was told to remove her most complex patients from her panel to protect the health system's performance metrics. Jonathan uses this powerful example to explain moral injury: a deep, ethical wound that is fundamentally different from burnout. The conversation exposes how value-based payment models, even in not-for-profit systems, can incentivize data manipulation and force doctors to choose between their patients' well-being and their employer's bottom line. He argues that this crisis of integrity is a primary reason many physicians are leaving employed positions for independent models like direct primary care (DPC), where they can answer directly to their patients instead of a spreadsheet. His core message is an urgent call to confront the reality that when "value" becomes code for "profitable," the entire system's moral compass is at risk. Careers by KevinMD is your gateway to health care success. We connect you with real-time, exclusive resources like job boards, news updates, and salary insights, all tailored for health care professionals. With expertise in uniting top talent and leading employers across the nation's largest health care hiring network, we're your partner in shaping health care's future. Fulfill your health care journey at KevinMD.com/careers. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/careers Discovering disability insurance? Pattern understands your concerns. Over 20,000 doctors trust us for straightforward, affordable coverage. We handle everything from quotes to paperwork. Say goodbye to insurance stress – visit Pattern today at KevinMD.com/pattern. VISIT SPONSOR → https://kevinmd.com/pattern SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

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This isn't burnout, it's moral injury

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This episode was published on August 26, 2025.

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Family physician Jonathan Bushman discusses his article, "The hidden moral injury behind value-based health care." He shares the story of a young physician who was told to remove her most complex patients from her panel to protect the health...

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