As we continue our look at the top five topics of 2015, we take a step outside of the exam room to see what physicians do in their personal lives. In medicine, leisure time barely exists, and physicians have to learn to juggle their personal lives with long hours in the office. How do busy physicians maintain a work-life balance? Learn what physicians had to say about their personal lives and gain some practical tips.
How physicians balance work, free time and relationships
Even in the throes of a long work schedule, physicians seem to find ways to enjoy the free time they do have.
The 2014 Work/Life Profiles of Today’s Physician, released by AMA Insurance, examined several aspects of physicians’ work and personal lives. Findings showed that most physicians clock in 40-60 hours per week, while 20 percent of physicians work a whopping 61-80 hours per week.
When physicians find time for themselves, the profiles showed, most enjoy running or jogging, cycling or walking to stay healthy. Many physicians describe themselves as avid readers and also enjoy time outdoors fishing, golfing, skiing or playing tennis.
On the family side, the profiles revealed that almost 40 percent of physicians are likely to find a partner who is also a physician or health care professional. Emergency medicine physician Steve Sherick, MD, said that marrying someone who understands the challenges unique to doctors can create a strong bond, which is one of the psychological and emotional benefits of a medical marriage.
To help physicians maintain solid relationships, the AMA Alliance magazine Physician Family offered physicians three tips for maintaining happiness in a medical marriage. For family members and significant others, the magazine also provided four ways to communicate with a medical student.
Planning for financial health
Though physicians have to spend a lot of time making sure their practices are financially sound, maintaining healthy personal finances is important.
AMA Wire® investigated several ways for physicians to keep track of their personal finances and prepare for the future. One of the pieces physicians found most helpful was how to partner with a physician-friendly financial advisor who understands physicians’ unique needs. We also spoke with a student loan expert, who offered tips for developing a med school loan repayment strategy.
In support of their colleagues, experienced physicians chimed in this year to share their top personal finance tips, citing ways physicians can plan ahead, educate themselves on their finances and prepare for the unexpected. In addition, a new study of the financial preparedness of women physicians from AMA Insurance revealed the six traits of financially prepared physicians who are prepared for almost anything.
Equally important in the realm of financial stability is getting a head start as a physician in training. Physician Family offered five financial goals for residents and fellows to incorporate in their busy lifestyle and prepare for the future.
What’s coming next?
Watch AMA Wire in the year ahead for more practical information and insights for thriving outside the office.
Look for more on physicians’ personal lives next year from Physician Family magazine, a publication designed for and created by medical families.
The AMA’s Professional Satisfaction and Practice Sustainability initiative continues to develop pragmatic solutions to support physicians in their personal and professional lives. Among those solutions are STEPS Forward™ modules for helping to prevent physician burnout, address resident and fellow burnout, and improve physician resiliency. Additional modules will be added next year.
