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Physicians' changing attitudes about striking
Medical Care
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Physicians increasingly support collective bargaining and striking. A 1976 survey revealed significant backing from residents and practicing doctors, with growing militancy observed among graduates.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Physician Labor Relations
- Healthcare Economics
Background:
- Physicians' historical reluctance towards collective bargaining and striking has evolved.
- Understanding shifts in physician attitudes is crucial for healthcare labor dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the level of support for physicians organizing for collective bargaining and striking.
- To identify demographic and practice-related factors influencing these attitudes.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted in 1976 among 1146 alumni of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
- Data were analyzed to identify patterns of support across different physician groups and graduation years.
Main Results:
- Substantial support for collective bargaining and striking was found among both interns/residents and practicing physicians.
- Interns and residents showed the highest support for striking (67%).
- Physicians in private practice (60%) were more supportive of strikes than medical school faculty (39%).
Conclusions:
- Profound changes in physicians' views on collective action have occurred.
- A trend of increasing militancy is evident, particularly among more recent graduates.
- Support for striking grew significantly between medical school matriculation and graduation.