Rural Minnesota family physicians. Practice characteristics, gender, income, and job satisfaction

This study investigated rural physicians' job satisfaction, income, and working conditions through a survey of a random sample of rural family physicians in Minnesota. Of the 300 surveys sent, 210 (70%) were returned and usable. Male physicians reported more years of experience, work hours, and call hours per week than female physicians (p < 0.0005). On a scale of 1 to 5, average overall job satisfaction among the physicians was 4.04, with men averaging 4.0 and women, 4.3. Overall job satisfaction was positively correlated with the presence of a hospital in town (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the number of work hours, including hours on call, per week (p < 0.05). Overall job satisfaction was lowest for those in practice 20-34 years. Average reported annual income was $127,213 (men, $131,400; women, $97,800; p < 0.0001). In a comparison of physicians working the same number of hours including call, men earned more than women. Rural Minnesota family physicians reported high job satisfaction. Income was positively correlated with size of practice, years of experience, and number of hours worked. In addition, men earned more than women, and physicians whose pay was based on production earned more than physicians on straight salary.