[Job satisfaction of physicians in academic and general hospitals]

Based on a study of 20 medical departments (general surgery, internal medicine, radiology) an analysis is presented of variables which may account for differences in work satisfaction. The results show: (a) (experienced) work load correlates negatively with work satisfaction; (b) satisfied physicians define their medical domain more broadly than dissatisfied physicians. Besides, they do not regard their salary as an important aspect of their work. In general, radiologists are most satisfied with their work, internists least; medical specialists are more satisfied than residents. In the discussion it is argued that hospital physicians prefer regularity in their work, combined with a professional work climate. In terms of the growing bureaucratization of the physician's work it is concluded that satisfaction is positively influenced by standardization of work processes and negatively by external pressures which limit professional autonomy.