Pity the Poor Doctor?

Intense pressure and workplace stress.
High overhead.
Low satisfaction.
Sound like a job description for CIA director or restaurant owner?
Actually, according to features in the May issue of “Physicians Practice” magazine, it’s the situation for many of today’s doctors.
And you ought to read the letters to the editor from doctors. Example: “Is it OK for physicians to take it lying down when the world wants us to provide top-quality care with total liability for people’s lives while giving us K-mart reimbursement?”
Patients’ problems with doctors usually focus on long waits and poor communication. Putting the shoe on the other foot, many doctors are questioning their career choices.
If, for example, you are unhappy with the whole health insurance situation, imagine how unhappy the physician is.
According to an article in the magazine, many physicians have personality traits that put them at greater risk for burnout. They chose medicine because they are idealists with a strong desire to help people. They are inclined to be perfectionists. They’re not likely to seek help.
It may be difficult for most of us to imagine a physician having money worries, but the fact is, some do.