A recent study conducted by Jackson Physician Search and LocumTenens.com found that while most physicians still view medicine as a calling, that feeling deteriorates over the course of their careers.
The report, “Is Medicine Still a Calling? Exploring Physician Attitudes About Purpose in Medicine,” surveyed more than 1,200 physicians and advanced practice providers across several different specialties.
Here are six takeaways from the report:
1. The vast majority of respondents, 90%, saw medicine as a calling when they began. But more than half say that the feeling has diminished over time.
2. However, 50% of respondents still indicated high or fairly high levels of engagement at work.
3. There were significant differences based on specialty. Women’s medicine (70%), general medicine (68%) and behavioral medicine (63%) were the most likely to say their choice to go into medicine was a calling.Those practicing diagnostic medicine and musculoskeletal medicine were the least likely at 45% and 43%, respectively.
4. There were also differences among various age groups. Baby boomers were more likely to report a sense of calling to their work and indicated the highest levels of passion for their careers. Generation Z indicated being motivated to pursue medicine by a desire to serve humanity.
5. APPs were more likely than physicians to say medicine was a calling.
6. Clinicians who see medicine as a calling were more likely to say they plan to stay with their current employers for the next one to three years. Overall, 30% of respondents said they planned to leave their current employers in that time frame.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 18–20 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
