Over the past decade or so, a lot of research has probed into physician job satisfaction, probably coinciding with the ascendancy of managed care and the increasing role of government in regulating medical payments. The concern is not surprising, given the importance of medicine and the elevated position physicians hold in our society.
Over the past decade or so, a lot of research has probed into physician job satisfaction, probably coinciding with the ascendancy of managed care and the increasing role of government in regulating medical payments. The concern is not surprising, given the importance of medicine and the elevated position physicians hold in our society.
Researchers have been all over the map in their conclusions. One study recently released by Merritt Hawkins, the physician recruiting company, concluded that nearly half of all physicians aged 50 to 65 are planning to retire or otherwise reduce patient loads. It included responses from 42 radiologists, 56% of whom said practice had become less satisfying in the past five years. (The study is available online at www.merritthawkins.com.) Another study, published in July in Radiology and based on 2003 data, found levels of professional satisfaction among radiologists still high-93% as opposed to 80% for physicians as a whole-but below what they were when a similar study was conducted in 1995.
These studies often include a big caveat: they are usually based on a survey of self-selected respondents. Going on the theory that those who complain have the loudest voices, the data may slant negative. A close reading of various surveys, other information, and comments from Diagnostic Imaging's editorial board and advisors suggests that things overall are going pretty well for radiologists. Consider:
One interesting observation came from Dr. Peter Moskowitz, a radiologist who also coaches physicians on career and lifestyle issues.
Job satisfaction for all physicians seems to wax and wane, and in contrast to the early part of this decade, things do seem to be getting better now. But, he added, "this too shall pass."
In light of that truism, perhaps the suggestion by one editorial board member that certain personalities are better prepared to weather the vicissitudes of medical practice is relevant: Those who tend to see the cup half full will feel that way about pretty much all areas of their lives, including their work as radiologists.
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