The 2003 SARS outbreak had significant long-term psychological and occupational effects on healthcare workers (HCWs). A study of 769 HCWs in Toronto and Hamilton, Canada, found that Toronto HCWs, who treated SARS patients, reported higher levels of burnout, psychological distress, and posttraumatic stress compared to Hamilton HCWs, who did not treat SARS patients. These differences were attributed to factors such as perceived adequacy of training and support, and maladaptive coping styles. The study also found that HCWs who experienced prolonged perceived risk after the SARS outbreak were more likely to report multiple adverse outcomes, including reduced patient contact, increased substance use, and more work absences. The study highlights the importance of effective staff support and training in preparing for future outbreaks. It also suggests that individual factors such as coping styles and attachment insecurity play a role in the long-term psychological effects of working during an outbreak. The findings have implications for health systems in planning for emerging infections, including pandemic influenza and bioterrorism. The study underscores the need for long-term support programs to address the residual effects of outbreaks on HCWs, as well as the importance of organizational characteristics that buffer burnout and other psychological distress. The results emphasize the value of adaptive coping strategies and the need for supportive environments that promote resilience among HCWs.The 2003 SARS outbreak had significant long-term psychological and occupational effects on healthcare workers (HCWs). A study of 769 HCWs in Toronto and Hamilton, Canada, found that Toronto HCWs, who treated SARS patients, reported higher levels of burnout, psychological distress, and posttraumatic stress compared to Hamilton HCWs, who did not treat SARS patients. These differences were attributed to factors such as perceived adequacy of training and support, and maladaptive coping styles. The study also found that HCWs who experienced prolonged perceived risk after the SARS outbreak were more likely to report multiple adverse outcomes, including reduced patient contact, increased substance use, and more work absences. The study highlights the importance of effective staff support and training in preparing for future outbreaks. It also suggests that individual factors such as coping styles and attachment insecurity play a role in the long-term psychological effects of working during an outbreak. The findings have implications for health systems in planning for emerging infections, including pandemic influenza and bioterrorism. The study underscores the need for long-term support programs to address the residual effects of outbreaks on HCWs, as well as the importance of organizational characteristics that buffer burnout and other psychological distress. The results emphasize the value of adaptive coping strategies and the need for supportive environments that promote resilience among HCWs.