Survey: Rheumatologists Are the Happiest Physicians

By Kaitlyn D’Onofrio - Last Updated: January 11, 2019

Rheumatologists are the happiest physicians outside of work, according to a recent survey. 

The findings, reported in Medscape’s Physician Lifestyle & Happiness Report 2019, ranked physicians’ happiness outside of work and broke it down by specialty. Rheumatologists topped the list, with 65% of respondents reporting happiness outside of work. Also close to the top of the list were otolaryngologists (60%), endocrinologists (59%), and pediatricians (58%). Last year, allergists, dermatologists, emergency physicians, and ophthalmologists topped the list; this year, they ranked at 55%, 49%, 57%, and 56%, respectively. Neurologists reported the lowest happiness (45%). Also toward the bottom of the list were cardiologists (47%) and infectious disease specialists (46%)—remaining low in the rankings for the second year in a row, researchers noted. 

Rheumatologists also ranked in the top 10 for high self-esteem at 63%. Topping off the list were plastic surgeons (73%), urologists (68%), ophthalmologists (67%), endocrinologists (67%), orthopedic specialists (66%), nephrologists (65%), pulmonologists (63%), gastroenterologists (63%), and general surgeons (63%). Oncologists (48%) and infectious disease specialists (47%) rounded out the bottom of the list. 

Happiest marriages, stratified by specialty, also saw rheumatologists near the top, tying for the number four spot with nephrologists, both reporting 60%. The top three spots were claimed by otolaryngologists (67%), plastic surgeons (64%), and urologists (64%). 

Rheumatologists made up 1% of the total survey respondents. Family medicine specialists had the greatest representation (13%), followed by pediatricians (10%). All other specialties had representation less than 10%. A total of 15,029 U.S.-based physicians filled out the survey, which was conducted between July 27, 2018, and Oct. 16, 2018. 

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Source: Medscape

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