Abstract
Objective: This study explored Physician Assistant (PA) students’ perceptions of burnout and underlying factors to guide program-level mitigation strategies. Participants: 28 students from the University of the Pacific’s PA program participated in this study. Methods: 5 focus group interviews were conducted. Themes were identified using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Students described burnout as emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and loss of interest in academics, driven by internal pressures, time demands, and inconsistent assessments, and linked to strained relationships, guilt, and isolation. Coping strategies included breaks, enjoyable activities, peer connection, and exercise. Students recommended program-level strategies, such as scheduled class bonding, flexible scheduling, improved access to resources, and supportive faculty, and anticipated that burnout in PA school would influence their future careers. Conclusion: PA programs should increase resources, incorporate flexible scheduling, allocate time for bonding experiences, and strengthen faculty support.
Recommended Citation
Villanueva, Iris M.
(2026)
"When You Are Done Before You Have Begun: A Focus-Group Research Study on the Perception of Burnout in Physician Assistant Students,"
Pacific Journal of Health: Vol. 9:
Iss.
1, Article 18.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56031/2576-215X.1133
Available at:
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/pjh/vol9/iss1/18
