The effect of career change from private practice to full-time family practice faculty

This study investigated the timing and extent of the emotional impact of the career change of 33 selected family physicians who, after at least 15 years in private practice, moved into full-time teaching and/or administration in a family practice residency program. Their intrinsic feelings of being enthusiastic, energetic, optimistic, and enjoying associates were all diminished during the first six months, dropped further in the second six months, but began to recover during the second year. Similarly the physicians' perception of their effectiveness in their new work -- confident, competent, and fulfilled -- was relatively low during the first six months, but began to rise during the second six months and again during the second year. A comparison is made between the responses of those who held positions as directors and those who were non-directors. Changes reported were less marked in those who became directors than in those who did not. Possible causes of this phenomenon are explored. Methods to soften the impact of the career change are suggested.