Job satisfaction among program directors in obstetrics and gynecology: a national portrait

The purpose of this study was to determine job satisfaction among program directors in obstetrics and gynecology with the use of a validated tool and to identify specific sources of dissatisfaction that might lead to job change.

The program director satisfaction and a global job satisfaction survey were sent to all program directors in the United States. Motivators for seeking a job change were assessed. The chi(2) test, Kruskal-Wallis test, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression were used.

Seventy percent of 254 surveys were completed. Global job satisfaction (minimum, 4; maximum, 16) was 11.9+/-2.9; mean program director satisfaction score was 135+/-25.8 (minimum, 54; maximum, 200). Job satisfaction was highest in chairs, full professors, those whose age was >50 years, and those with >5 years of experience (P=.02) and in facets that were related to work with residents, colleagues, and patients. Dissatisfaction was highest with regard to salary, promotion opportunities, and resources. Forty-six percent of those who responded were considering a job change in 3 years; the most common reason for a job change that was cited was administrative hassles.

Although job satisfaction is high among program directors, administrative hassles may lead to high rate of rapid turnover.