This question was originaly posted on Qoura. Answer attributed to: Liang-Hai Sie, Retired general internist, former intensive care physician. Very difficult to answer, since all those parameters vary quite a lot from country to country. These are just a few thought where people say it's difficult or good to work as a doc: The not so good stories are from: -eastern Europe: for most the pay is low, so many are unsatisfied -Italy: most medical specialist aren't paid so well -UK: loss of control how to manage one's practice is said to lead to a lot of burn-out? -Germany: working hours are long, secondary job benefits are less than e.g. in The Netherlands -SE Asia: in the more developed countries working hours are long, income is good, social standing good. I think in the poorer countries all is a lot less. -China: pay is not good, long working hours. From: Medscape This is from a survey on burn-out in Chinese vs US physicians: • It is manageable and I'm not making any changes (36% vs 25%) • It is manageable but I need to make some changes in hours/workload/etc. (52.2% vs 62%) • I am thinking of leaving my current position (7.3% vs 7%) • I am thinking of leaving medicine altogether (4.5% vd 5%) Financial position Chinese vd US physicians: At present still OK: -Scandinavian countries: working hours were quite OK, income relatively low, but one could have a good private life. No problems with people unable to afford their essential medical care. -The Netherlands: at present income and working conditions are still OK, but docs are losing more and more income and their say about how their practice are organized. Universal health care, people are mandatory insured for essential health care. -USA?? Income if not a primary care physician is quite alright, high student loans, the threat of being sued, but all in all docs and partners are quite satisfied. Physician Compensation Report: 2014 Physician Lifestyles -- Linking to Burnout: A Medscape Survey As for partner satisfaction, as long you have more than two hours of face time a day, is high: 70% See Elsevier The Medical Marriage: A National Survey of the Spouses/Partners of US Physicians (unfortunately at present only accessible to subscribers or if you pay for access): EDIT: The Netherlands: at present (halfway through 2014) we have 168 highly trained young medical specialists especially surgeons, internists, OB-GYN who can't find any paid job, so are on social benefits (!!) while keeping on working for nothing at the hospital they trained in so not to lose their dexterity and keep their licenses (for which one needs to see patients on a regular basis for at least 1 year in every 5 years). EDIT 2: The Netherlands 2015: 617 docs out of a job. 2015-2016 is the first year less than usual first year med students registered after completing a successful sollicitation procedure. Source
