Close to 20% of U.S. physicians dissatisfied with career choice, survey says

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Nearly one in five physicians in the United States is dissatisfied with his or her career choice, according to data from an ongoing survey of almost 13,000 physicians.

Doctors who specialize in geriatrics, neonatal-perinatal care, pediatrics and dermatology reported high levels of career satisfaction, while those specializing in otolaryngology, obstetrics-gynecology, ophthalmology, orthopedics and internal medicine were most displeased. In the survey, seven of 10 physicians said they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their medical career.

Those who reported a high income ($250,000 to $299,999) were more likely to say they were very satisfied with their careers.

The study results are published in the July 22 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.