Study: Unpredictable hours cause doc burnout

New research suggests that physicians' unpredictable schedules are the primary cause of professional burnout. Researchers at the University of Michigan, who sent a questionnaire to randomly selected physicians across the U.S., found that both male and female doctors had increased frustration levels and diminished job satisfaction when they didn't have control over their schedules or number of hours worked. At the same time, though, the physicians said that they were otherwise happy with their careers, had high levels of personal accomplishment and at least some satisfaction with work-life balance. The study suggests that this generation of young physicians value control over their schedules more than previous generations of doctors, and are more likely to choose specialties that allow them to keep that control, researchers said.

To learn more about the study:
- read this United Press International item

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