Professional well-being work party of WFSA: it is time to think and take action regarding the occupational health of anesthesiologists.

The nature and intensity of the work performed by anesthesiologists have changed dramatically in recent decades. The advent of new technologies has expanded the surgical horizon, allowing intervention in more challenging medical conditions. The pressure of a growing economic competitiveness and the need to do more with a reduced workforce are associated with the emergence of more difficult cases. This transformation impacted occupational well-being of anesthesiologists. Occupational well-being is a reflex of work satisfaction, leading to overall improvement in quality of life. Finding a healthy solution to integrate the work into our life in order to provide personal balance and satisfaction will result in greater general well-being. Current epidemiological studies on occupational health of physicians are focused primarily on the investigation and analysis of somatic and/or psychological pathologies, such as degenerative, cardiovascular, toxic, and infectious pathologies, fatigue and nervous breakdown, depression, and chemical dependency 1,2. On the other hand, it is evident how little has been dome regarding the prevention of these adverse occupational problems and the continuous maintenance of occupational well-being of physicians. The need for prevention is increased by the growing risks related to occupational health of anesthesiologists, as is common knowledge, a vulnerable group. Recently, on the area of occupational health of anesthesiologists, the knowledge about the risks of somatic and/or psychological pathologies, worsened by the stress of clinical practice, has improved the diagnosis, prevention, and management of these adverse conditions 3,4. However, it is very important that anesthesiologists be aware of the aspects of their work that is causing more stress and they should know how better working conditions can be implemented to maintain their occupational health. The need for such improvements is more evident when one considers whether support systems for anesthesiologists with any deficiency have been established by professional defense associations, the state, or governmental organizations.