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PA job satisfaction and career plans
Michael P Halasy1, Colin P West, Tait Shanafelt
1Michael P. Halasy is an assistant professor in health care administration at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Colin P. West is a professor of medicine, medical education, and biostatistics and codirector of the Mayo Clinic Program on Physician Well-Being. Tait Shanafelt is a professor of medicine and associate dean of the Stanford (Calif.) University School of Medicine. Danielle J. O'Laughlin is an assistant professor in the Division of Community Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic. Daniel Satele is a statistician in the Department of Health Sciences Research at the Mayo Clinic. Liselotte N. Dyrbye is a professor of medicine and medical education and codirector of the Mayo Clinic Program on Physician Well-Being. Funding for this study was provided by the Mayo Clinic Program on Physician Well-Being. Funding sources had no role in study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the article for publication. The authors have disclosed no other potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Physician assistants experiencing burnout are more likely to be dissatisfied with their jobs and plan to leave or reduce hours. Addressing burnout is key to retaining these vital healthcare professionals.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Professionals
- Medical Workforce Studies
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Physician assistants (PAs) are integral to the US healthcare system.
- Understanding factors influencing PA job satisfaction and career longevity is crucial for workforce stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the associations between burnout, job satisfaction, and career intentions among US physician assistants.
- To identify predictors of job dissatisfaction and intent to alter work patterns.
Main Methods:
- A national survey of physician assistants was conducted in 2016.
- Validated instruments, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory, were used to assess burnout, job satisfaction, and career plans.
Main Results:
- A significant proportion of PAs reported job dissatisfaction (17.3%), intent to leave their current position (32.2%), and intent to reduce work hours (19.5%).
- Burnout emerged as a significant independent predictor, increasing the likelihood of job dissatisfaction and intentions to reduce work hours or leave practice.
Conclusions:
- Burnout is a critical factor impacting physician assistant job satisfaction and career trajectory.
- Interventions aimed at mitigating burnout may be essential for improving retention and job satisfaction within the PA workforce.
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