Survey: U.S. physicians overwhelmingly satisfied with career choice

Today, the American Medical Association (AMA) announced new survey findings that explore the experiences, perceptions, and challenges facing physicians in  the rapidly changing health care environment. The survey of 1,200 physicians, residents, and medical students asked when respondents knew they would become physicians, who encouraged them down that path, what challenges they face professionally, and whether they are satisfied with their career choice.

According to the survey, nine in 10 physicians are satisfied with their career choice, despite challenges common to each career stage. Three quarters of medical students, residents, and physicians said that helping people is a top motivator for pursuing their career and sixty-one percent of all respondents said they would encourage others to enter the field of medicine. Personal experiences as a patient, volunteer, and with family members played a role — across career stages — in realizing one’s calling to practice medicine. Additionally, 73 percent of respondents knew before they reached the age of 20 that they wanted to be physicians, and nearly a third knew before becoming a teenager.