Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the future physician workforce with a sample of obstetrician-gynecologists.
Study design: Two separate surveys regarding career satisfaction and retirement plans were sent to random samples of obstetrician-gynecologists under age 50 years (n = 2,000) and over the age of 50 (n = 2,100).
Results: Obstetrician-gynecologists over the age of 50 years who were working part time or were female were more satisfied than those working full time or were male. Obstetrician-gynecologists (under and over age 50 years) who were concerned about liability and unable to balance their work and personal lives were more dissatisfied. Obstetrician-gynecologists retired earlier than planned because of rising malpractice costs and later than planned because of high career satisfaction.
Conclusion: Low career satisfaction may be adding to the already shrinking physician workforce. Offering part-time work opportunities and alleviating liability concerns may increase career satisfaction and help to combat a future of the physician workforce shortage.