More physicians are regretting choosing a career in medicine, according to a new survey from the Physicians Foundation.
Sixty-one percent of physicians said they'd choose their profession again, down from 68 percent in 2022. What's more, only 4 in 10 physicians would recommend a career in medicine to young people.
The findings are based on responses from 2,114 physicians, residents and medical students polled between June 8 and June 28.
Four more findings:
1. Sixty percent of physicians reported burnout, up from 40 percent in 2018. Sixty percent of residents and 70 percent of medical students also reported feeling burned out.
2. Forty percent of physicians said they were either afraid or knew another physician who was fearful of seeking mental healthcare because of questions asked in medical licensure, credentialing and insurance applications.
3. Thirty-six percent of physicians said they personally know a physician who has considered suicide, up from 31 percent in 2021.
4. Twenty-eight percent of physicians said they'd like to retire within the next year, up from 21 percent in 2022.
"The future of medicine is dependent on change that will foster well-being, offer the right resources and eliminate barriers that impact physicians' autonomy to care," the Physician Foundation said. "Current and future physicians are the foundation of our health care system — and we must ensure their perspectives are central to how we improve health care delivery in our country, so our health care system is strong and sustainable in providing high-quality, cost-efficient health care to all."