The final episode of the NASS Governance Committee’s Burnout in Spine Care podcast series, Avoiding Burnout for Basic Science Clinician Scientists, is now available through the NASS podcast channel. In this episode, Jamie Wilson, MD, FRCS, MSc interviews Christopher Ahuja, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FAANS and Michael Fehlings, MD, PhD, FRCSC, about the challenges of sustaining a research career alongside a demanding spine surgery practice. They discuss how long timelines for scientific discovery, frequent setbacks in research, and competing clinical responsibilities can contribute to burnout. The conversation highlights strategies for maintaining motivation, including focusing on incremental progress, setting meaningful milestones, and protecting time for work, family, and personal well-being.

The podcast is the fourth and final in the series which explores physician well-being, burnout, and resilience through candid conversations with leaders in medicine who share both professional insights and personal experiences. Across episodes, experts examine the evolving challenges facing clinicians and researchers, including the cumulative impact of stress, shifting expectations in medical training, and the cultural barriers that have historically limited open dialogue around mental health in medicine.

Through these discussions, the series highlights practical strategies for recognizing burnout, supporting colleagues, and building healthier work environments. Emphasis is placed on normalizing these experiences, fostering connection, and identifying institutional and individual resources that promote long-term sustainability and fulfillment in clinical practice. Episodes feature speakers including:

• Christopher Ahuja, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FAANS
• Victor Chang, MD
• Michael Fehlings, MD, PhD, FRCSC
• Moises Googe, DO
• Roger Härtl, MD
• Melvin Helgeson, MD
• Matthew Karek, MD
• Peter Rhee, MD
• Rahul Shah, MD
• Jamie Wilson, MD, FRCS, MSc

To listen now, click here.