Factors Affecting Physician Exit and Reentry into Medicine

Area of Science:

• Medical workforce studies
• Physician career trajectories
• Qualitative research methods

Background:

• Physicians periodically take time away from clinical practice for diverse reasons.
• Understanding these reasons and the subsequent reentry challenges is crucial for physician retention and workforce stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors influencing physicians' decisions to take time off from clinical medicine.
• To examine the challenges physicians encounter when reentering clinical practice after an absence.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative online survey was administered to licensed physicians (Doctors of Medicine and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine) in North Carolina.
• Data were collected from February to July 2023, utilizing physician listservs and alumni newsletters for distribution.

Main Results:

• Children were the most common reason for taking time off (38.5%).
• Female physicians were more likely to take time off for family reasons (e.g., childcare), while male physicians cited career-related factors.
• 87.8% of physicians reentered clinical medicine, with over 50% reporting the reentry process as difficult, especially for those returning after a year.

Conclusions:

• Physicians' reasons for leaving clinical practice vary significantly, with notable gender-based differences in motivations.
• While physician reentry into clinical medicine is common, the process presents substantial difficulties for a majority.
• The findings underscore the need for targeted support during physician reentry to mitigate challenges and improve retention.