Burning Out

Over a two-year period, filmmaker Jérôme le Maire captured everyday life in the surgical department of a Parisian hospital. A combination of heavy workloads, intense stress, low staffing levels and budget cuts has deeply undermined the atmosphere. We see doctors almost fighting to get into the operating room, and the nursing staff is having a hard time as well. Everyone is at the end of their rope. “We cram, we cram, we cram,” sighs one overworked doctor after glancing at the schedule. Meanwhile, management is pushing for even more efficiency and cost cutting. How long can this go on? Le Maire paints a disconcerting picture of the imminent burnout threatening the healthcare system. No door was closed to him, and we see operations, discussions around the coffee table and countless meetings. He places emotions center stage and clearly sides with the staff, sometimes joining in conversations. One doctor takes six months off to avoid a total breakdown. When he returns refreshed, Le Maire is still filming, but has anything changed?