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6.3.1 Career Satisfaction in Primary Care Physicians

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Primary care physicians (including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and general practice specialists) consistently rank in the bottom tier of satisfaction reports (Leigh et al. 2002; Leigh et al. 2009; Duffy and Richard 2006; Katerndahl et al. 2009). While primary care is a cornerstone for developing a cost‐effective, high‐quality healthcare system that reduces health disparities, there is a growing shortage of primary care physicians. In parallel to these findings, the interest in primary care among graduating medical students has also declined (Pugno et al. 2006).

The career satisfaction of primary care physicians has thus become the subject of studies that reveal some interesting trends and raise important questions regarding this medical specialty. In a survey conducted in 2006, it was found that more than 50% of primary care physicians considered themselves “second‐class citizens” compared with surgical and diagnostic specialists (Physicians Practice 2007). In addition, almost two‐thirds of primary care physicians reported that they would choose another field if they could start their careers over. Approximately 39% of the 508 primary care physicians said they would become surgical or diagnostic specialists, and approximately 22% said they would not choose medicine as a career. The only explanation for this situation seems to be career dissatisfaction. In a separate study, Katerndahl et al. (2009) found that doctors who worked more hours per week, more weeks per year, and who maintained solo practices reported significantly lower satisfaction than other physicians – all of these characteristics commonly defined primary caregivers. The results of this study suggested a consistent association between perceived autonomy and career satisfaction.

Deshpande and DeMello (2010) published an analysis to further examine factors that influence career satisfaction of three types of primary care physicians, specifically internal medicine physicians, family/general medicine practitioners, and pediatricians. This study illuminated another issue: malpractice lawsuits. According to the results of this survey, the threat of malpractice lawsuits significantly lowered career satisfaction. On the other hand, quality patient interaction and high incomes significantly increased career satisfaction reported by primary care physicians. With all of these influencing factors considered, pediatricians had the highest overall career satisfaction among the group. The authors suggested that steps like giving adequate time for interaction with patients, reducing potential threats of malpractice lawsuits, and improving income may contribute to increased career satisfaction among primary care physicians (Deshpande and DeMello 2010).

A Guide to the Scientific Career

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