06/04/2026
“As anaesthesiologists and intensivists, we work at the intersection of precision, pressure, and responsibility. Our specialty demands sustained vigilance, rapid decision-making, and the ability to manage high-stakes situations. While this is what makes our field so rewarding, it also places us at particular risk when it comes to mental health and wellbeing.
As President of the Association of Anaesthesiologists and Intensivists of Malta (AAIM), and Chair of the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) National Anaesthesiologists Societies Committee (NASC), I see these challenges reflected both locally and across the European community.
Fatigue is one of the most significant issues we face. Our recent European data show that over 90% of anaesthesiologists experience work-related fatigue, with negative impacts on mental health and even their ability to commute safely after work.
Our specialty requires constant precision and focus, often for prolonged periods and overnight. The cumulative effect of night shifts, long hours, and high cognitive load contributes not only to burnout, but also reduced empathy, impaired judgement, and emotional exhaustion.
Anaesthetists are also known to be at higher risk of substance misuse compared to other specialties, due to a combination of occupational stress, access to potent drugs, and a culture that historically normalised resilience over vulnerability. This highlights the importance of early recognition, supportive environments, and reducing stigma around seeking help.
Importantly, these challenges are not solely individual—they are deeply influenced by systems. Work patterns, staffing levels, organisational culture, and access to rest all play a critical role. As AAIM, we are committed to continuing to prioritise the wellbeing of our workforce, recognising that sustainable practice is essential for both clinicians and the patients we care for.
As a profession, we must move away from the idea that fatigue and stress are inevitable. Protecting the wellbeing of anaesthetists is not only essential for our workforce, but fundamental to delivering safe patient care.”
- Dr Anne Marie Camilleri Podesta
