[Work-life balance-just a fictional dream for doctors?]

Medical practice is increasingly characterized by structural pressures. High workloads, staff shortages, and a continuously growing bureaucratic burden define daily clinical practice and contribute to a decline in the attractiveness of the profession.

Medical students and physicians were surveyed via email using standardized online questionnaires (52 or 75 items; single/multiple choice and free text). The survey collected demographic information, motivation for studying and practicing medicine, expectations, desired working conditions, ideal work-life balance, and positive and negative factors influencing job satisfaction.

A total of 668 usable questionnaires were received, 504 from students and 164 from physicians. Approximately 65% of the physicians surveyed work ≥50 h per week (of which 37% work 50-59 h, 25% 60-79 h, 3% ≥80 h), regularly, significantly exceeding the collectively agreed upon working hours. Long working hours (52%), an inadequate work-life balance (52%), and the difficulty of reconciling work and family life (34%) are cited as key stressors. Surgery highlights the shortage of young doctors: 65% of medical students would be enthusiastic about surgical specialties, yet only 32% of the physicians surveyed work in a surgical field.

The results clearly demonstrate that long working hours, high bureaucratic burdens, and, in particular, the misallocation of physicians' working time are key structural causes of dissatisfaction and a decline in the attractiveness of the profession. Against the backdrop of demographic change and the impending loss of experienced medical expertise, there is an urgent need for a fundamental redesign in order to sustainably secure future medical care.