ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 10 (UPI) -- Not being able to control their schedule or the number of weekly hours worked is the greatest cause of physician burnout, say U.S. researchers.
A research tema at the University of Michigan Medical School sent a questionnaire to randomly selected physicians around the country, including internists, pediatricians, general surgeons, family practitioners and obstetrician-gynecologists, and got 935 responses.
The results showed that both male and female doctors who didn't have control over their schedules and the total number of hours they worked in a week had increased frustration levels and diminished satisfaction with the other elements of their jobs.
However, the poll also revealed some good news: the doctors said they were highly satisfied with their careers, have moderate levels of satisfaction with work-life balance and emotional resilience, and high levels of personal accomplishment.
The researchers said their survey indicates the current generation of young doctors values time off and a balanced life more than the baby boomer generation, and thus, many select specialties that allow them to control their lifestyle instead of following their real medical interests.
The survey is published in the current issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
