Career transitions:planning for alternative futures.

Transition to retirement is a necessary step for all physicians because of the physical and emotional changes that occur with the aging process, the physician's ethical responsibilities to patients, and at times, because there is a desire to pursue different goals. It is important to begin to plan for this transition early in one's career so that some planning for postretirement vocation and avocation can be made and financial concerns can be addressed. A recent ACOG survey of 1000 Fellows ages 40-60 demonstrates that this planning is not occurring universally and the assistance of Fellows in preparation for this transition is now becoming an ACOG initiative.