Burnout remains a persistent challenge in healthcare, especially for those practicing in obstetric emergency departments and OB/GYN hospital settings. In a recent episode of The Obstetrics Podcast, Ob Hospitalist Group clinicians Dr. Benjamin DeLisa and Dr. Scott Ellis shared how medical mission work has helped them reconnect with the heart of medicine and bring fresh energy back to their patients in the United States.
Finding purpose through mission work
For Dr. DeLisa, the turning point came early in his career when administrative burdens began to overshadow the joy of practicing medicine. After joining a medical mission trip to the Philippines in 2013, he discovered how caring for patients with limited access to surgical services could reignite his passion. “I felt a renewed sense of interest and brought back the passion that brought me into medicine in the first place,” he said.
Dr. Ellis had long wanted to pursue mission work, influenced by his military background and church community. His first civilian trip to El Salvador offered a chance to reconnect with a country once torn by conflict. “The faces, the smiles, and the joy on the folks that were there…my heart was full at that point,” he recalled.
Their experiences highlight how global health work not only combats burnout but also strengthens the appeal of OBGYN careers for physicians seeking purpose and balance.
Lessons carried home
Both clinicians stressed the importance of adaptability and teamwork in resource-limited settings. Without advanced technology or specialty backup, they relied on careful planning and strong communication. These lessons translated directly back into their practice in the obstetric emergency department, strengthening collaboration and continuity of care.
They also carried home a sense of perspective. “When your cup is full, the small annoyances don’t bother you as much,” Dr. DeLisa explained. For Dr. Ellis, the experience was equally grounding: “It allows me to slow down, take things as they come, and remember that we have an impact on each and every person we come across.”
Supporting clinicians beyond the hospital
The OB hospitalist model makes it easier to pursue mission work, thanks to flexible scheduling and supportive colleagues. OBHG also provides financial assistance through a scholarship program, part of its commitment to supporting clinicians in OB/GYN jobs and those exploring long-term OB hospitalist job opportunities. “Last year, when I went on the mission, they (OBHG) covered the majority of my flight, hotel, and even some of my expenses,” Dr. DeLisa shared. “They’ve been nothing but supportive around the mission work.”
To hear more about how medical missions can restore purpose and combat burnout, listen to the full episode on The Obstetrics Podcast. To learn more about how Ob Hospitalist Group supports clinicians in OB/GYN careers while helping them pursue mission work and career growth, meet our clinicians one-on-one.