Medscape recently published the results of their Nonclinical Careers Report, gathered from a survey of more than 2500 US physicians. The focus was on whether they wanted to leave clinical practice, why, and where they planned to go next. Here are some excerpts from the report:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has put enormous stress not only on the healthcare system but on individual physicians as well, whether they work in hospitals or other practice settings. But the pandemic arrived at the doorsteps of an already stressed and burned-out profession. Practicing physicians have been dealing with burnout for many years. As a result, many physicians are considering other career options.”
“The results were sobering. Roughly 1 in 5 (22%) of the physicians surveyed said they were considering leaving their current jobs to pursue a nonclinical career; 58% of those said they planned to make the change within 3 years. Eight in 10 are actively exploring other options, and over half (53%) are looking online.”
“Burnout was most often cited as the primary reason for considering a change; 34% gave this reason. Twenty percent said they wanted to work fewer hours. Physicians seem to be aware of the extent of the dissatisfaction in their profession. One respondent said the reason for leaving clinical practice was the desire to find a career helping burned-out colleagues.”
To read the full report and see the data slides, please visit the Medscape website.
