Job satisfaction of family practice residents

As new market forces and expanding responsibilities strongly influence our specialty, it is vital to understand issues that affect resident recruitment, retention, and performance. This study evaluated family practice residents' satisfaction with their chosen careers, their individual programs, and many of the other factors that potentially influence and contribute to job satisfaction.

Data were collected using a 56-item questionnaire that included demographic information and specific questions regarding residency job satisfaction. The questionnaire was mailed to all 28 Texas family practice residency programs.

We received resultsfrom 75% of surveyed residents. Overall satisfaction with family practice as a specialty" received the highest satisfaction ranking. Satisfaction with 25 various aspects of family practice residency training was significantly higher in community-based programs, compared with university-based programs, and satisfaction increased with year level of training. Items that were ranked higher by community-based residents included satisfaction with their specific residency program, obstetrics experience, overall learning environment, degree of autonomy, and relationship with specialists.

This report demonstrates a strong degree of overall job satisfaction among family practice residents. In general, residents in community-based programs have a higher level of job satisfaction, compared with residents in university-based programs, and satisfaction increases with vear level of training.