A time management system for preventing physician impairment.

Physicians, who are generally perceived as privileged persons in American society, are greatly overworked as a group and sometimes are quite troubled as individuals. Much of their dissatisfaction appears to stem from an open-ended work schedule. A specific method is suggested whereby physicians in private or salaried group practice can take steps to control their working hours. This method, properly applied, can lead to improved productivity, greater patient satisfaction, and enhanced personal health for the physician. Use of this analysis may be helpful to currently functioning medical groups wishing to improve their work schedules as well as to physicians or institutions contemplating new group formation.