Preventive medicine physician satisfaction and its relation to practice characteristics

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Physician Workforce Studies

Background:

• General preventive medicine and public health physicians manage programs, conduct research, and provide patient care.
• Physician satisfaction is examined across contribution, respect, research, income, and personal time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess overall job satisfaction among preventive medicine and public health physicians.
• To identify specific dimensions of practice influencing physician satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to graduates of preventive medicine residencies (1979-1989).
• Satisfaction was rated on a five-point scale and analyzed using linear regression models.
• Covariates included employer, hours worked, and practice content.

Main Results:

• Overall job satisfaction was high (88% satisfied or very satisfied).
• Federal government physicians reported highest satisfaction, particularly regarding research and personal time.
• Significant associations found between satisfaction and employer type, demographics, practice content, hours worked, and gender.

Conclusions:

• Physician satisfaction is linked to practice characteristics like content, hours, income, and employer.
• Recommendations include balancing practice demands and clarifying physician responsibilities to enhance satisfaction.