Physicians' career satisfaction

ABSTRACT

A substantial decline in physicians' career satisfaction has been documented in several studies. This work aimed at assessing physicians' satisfaction with different aspects of their professional life. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total sample of 681 physicians of both sexes. Career satisfaction was first assessed in general; then an inquiry was done about physicians' satisfaction with current practice environment. Most physicians were dissatisfied with their career in general[64.3%], the quality of health care[63.9%]and the income they derive from practice[63.0%].Physicians' discontent with work load and the time they spend on administrative tasks were recorded among 25.6% and 40.1%respectively. Nevertheless, the majority [82.8%] were satisfied with their relation with patients. One third of physicians [33%] found their work unrewarding, 22% perceived their professional choice as a wrong choice and up to 34.4% were unwilling to recommend medicine as a profession. Physicians' career satisfaction was significantly related to their personal and professional characteristics [p<0.05]. Younger physicians, those having short time experience, M.B.B.Ch. graduates and general practitioners were more likely to be dissatisfied and found job unrewarding. Inadequate medical supplies and facilities was the most frequent cause for physicians' dissatisfaction [33.9%], then financial deficit and excessive work load [14.5% and 14.1% respectively]. Physicians' satisfaction with the quality of care they able to provide was the most powerful determinant of their satisfaction with medical profession in general [partial F= 34.9]. Job dissatisfaction among physicians actually reflects a more general discontent with many influences in the practice environment. The findings of this study point to the need to enhance physicians' career satisfaction as a part of more broad initiatives for promoting medical care