To craft an approach to thwart early triggers of symptoms on the burnout continuum for trauma surgeons based on an understanding of drivers of burnout, second victim syndrome, peer-to-peer support, and trauma-informed care.

Trauma surgeons are particularly vulnerable to risk factors of burnout such as work–life imbalance, higher risk of adverse events, and more exposure to emotionally distressing work events such as witnessing abuse, neglect, and high rates of death among younger patients. Evidence supports the benefit of peer support for the personality style of physicians who often feel unable to show vulnerability as leaders of medical teams. Trauma-informed care allows for optimizing interventions by minimizing triggers from prior distressing events.

An ABCDE (Acknowledge; Bear Witness; Offer Coping Support; Debrief; Enlighten, Engage, and Educate) algorithm for surgeons is an early first step in ameliorating the triggers on the continuum of burnout.