Burnout and Stress Among Underrepresented Minority Health Professional Faculty: A Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

Aim

To examine burnout prevalence and associated factors among academic faculty across graduate-level health professions disciplines.

Design

Cross-sectional survey of a national sample of faculty from dentistry, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and physical therapy programs conducted between May and September 2022.

Review Methods

Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics, burnout profiles based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and logistic regression by faculty characteristics. Qualitative analysis used content analysis of open-ended responses.

Data Sources

Survey responses collected via online questionnaire during May–September 2022.

Results

Underrepresented minority faculty were substantially more likely to report high emotional exhaustion and feelings of being overextended compared to non-underrepresented minority colleagues. Qualitative findings highlighted occupational stressors such as insufficient leadership support, institutional insularity, workload demands, and bias in evaluation and tenure processes. Suggested strategies included improving leadership accountability, clarifying roles, promoting well-being and work-life balance, and fostering collegiality.

Conclusion

Burnout among faculty in health professions education is influenced by structural and cultural factors, with underrepresented minority faculty at greater risk. Addressing faculty burnout is critical in retaining a thriving and diverse faculty and workforce.

Authors:

Guenther GA, Kett PM, Mohammed SA, Snyder CR, van Eijk MS, Frogner BK, Williams-York B

Journal/Publisher:

Nursing Open

Edition:

Nov 2025.

Funder:

HRSA: HWRC Health Equity

Link to Article

Access the article here: Nursing Open

Citation:

Guenther GA, Kett PM, Mohammed SA, Snyder CR, van Eijk MS, Frogner BK, Williams-York B. Burnout and stress among underrepresented minority health professional faculty: A mixed methods study. Nursing Open. 2025;12(12):e70383. doi: 10.1002/nop2.70383