Most practicing physicians are happy and would choose to become physicians again, according to a new survey from the American Academy of Family Physicians and CompHealth.
Over 5,000 physicians responded to the survey, sharing their thoughts on job satisfaction, happiness and stress.
Key statistics on physician happiness:
What makes physicians happy
1. Relationships with family and friends: 74 percent
2. Work satisfaction/fulfillment: 20 percent
3. Travel/vacation/nature: 11 percent
4. Hobbies/exercise: 9 percent
5. Financially secure: 7 percent
6. Good health: 6 percent
7. Time off: 5 percent
8. Personal fulfillment/independence: 4 percent
9. Religion/spirituality: 4 percent
10. Work-life balance: 2 percent
11. Where I live: 1 percent
12. Other: 3 percent
The most gratifying part of being a physician
13. Interacting and helping patients: 87 percent
14. Solving problems: 69 percent
15. Personal growth and achievement: 55 percent
16. Compensation: 51 percent
17. Teaching: 50 percent
18. Improving the community: 40 percent
19. Research: 11 percent
20. Other: 3 percent
21. None of the above: 1 percent