Work stress in the lives of physicians.

The work stress of physicians is considered high, and many are contemplating leaving the profession. Documenting the specific aspects of practice found to be most stressful is important, and useful insights may be obtained by contrasting physicians who report high and low levels of work stress. Contrasting the work stress of physicians and dentists can be useful for both professions. Accordingly, we surveyed 3156 members of the Dallas County Medical Society and 1273 members of the Dallas County Dental Society plus a large group of their spouses. Although the level of work satisfaction is the most powerful predictor of work stress, other significant predictors are younger age, long working hours, and solo practice. Physicians who report high levels of work stress also report lower levels of marital satisfaction and a higher prevalence of psychiatric symptoms. Dentists are much like physicians in their reports of overall work stress, and the similarities and differences regarding specific stressors suggest the two professions are more alike than different in reporting the stresses of professional practice.