How Satisfied Are Young Czech Physicians in Their Profession?

Overview

The article deals with the satisfaction of physicians with their profession. It presents results ofan original questionnaire survey among young physicians. Notwithstanding many a criticalreservation,overall satisfaction is slightly above average, significantlymore satisfied are femalephysicians who mind less their insufficient financial appraisal. Overall satisfaction is influencedmost by satisfaction with financial rewards (r = 0.41) and with potential personal developmentand professional advancement (r = 0.36). Male and female physicians value the most theirautonomy, human relations, and opportunities of personal development (i.e. intraprofessionaspects which they are able to influence). They are least satisfied with overall rewards, not onlyfinancial but also from the point of view of social prestige and demands levelled on them. Behindthese outward signs one has to search for deeper socio-cultural reasons which lead to thatphysicians, in comparison with other qualified professions, are relatively losing out. Thosereasons rest foremost on the transformation of values in present-day society. A large number ofphysicians in their present opinion would not choose the medical profession any more (36 %)under present-day conditions.

Key words:
physicians - dissatisfaction with one’s profession - conflict of values.