In a study published today, Permanente Journal Find out what causes doctors to leave clinical practice early and how the reasons are changing. Researchers from the American Medical Association (AMA) analyzed survey responses from 971 non-clinically active physicians in all specialties who completed their training between 2000 and 2022. Their findings provide insight into why physicians are withdrawing from patient care or not entering the clinical workforce at all, especially as the nation faces a worsening physician shortage.
We hope that by gaining a deeper understanding of what drove these physicians away from the clinical practice of medicine, we can uncover meaningful insights that will help improve physician professional satisfaction and retention. ”
Sea Chen, MD, corresponding author of the paper
Chen works at AMA in Chicago. The paper, “Why Are All the Doctors Gone? Insights into the Early Clinical Start of U.S. Physicians: A National Survey,” is the only study of its kind published in the United States in more than a decade. Available for open access.
In trying to determine the reasons for the “widening leakage in the pool” of clinicians working in clinical settings, the researchers found that a “somewhat surprising proportion” of participants were fully resident-trained physicians who had never entered a clinical setting. Researchers suggest that additional research is needed to understand why.
Researchers identified changes in motivation among those who entered clinical practice and those who left clinical practice compared to previous findings. Data from 2008 shows that early turnover is more likely due to personal health issues, rising malpractice insurance premiums, perceived hassles, and lack of job satisfaction. Current research indicates that the rationale focuses on burnout, chronic workplace stress, administrative burden, and unrealistic patient expectations.
The AMA’s research is timely as Americans feel the pressure of a continuing and anticipated physician shortage, highlighting the need for hospital systems to strengthen retention strategies.
“As health systems work to further expand their physician pipeline by opening new medical schools and adding residency slots, it’s worth asking whether they should also focus on supporting already trained physicians,” Chen said.
The researchers also assessed gender disparities in physicians’ decisions to leave clinical practice.
“Women in our study left clinical practice earlier than men, and more often than men due to pressures such as caring for young children and other family members,” said Dr. Chen. “Addressing these issues through improved access to child care, flexible labor policies, and fair treatment could help keep more women in the physician workforce.”
sauce:
Permanente Federation
Reference magazines:
Chen, S. others. (2026) Why are all the doctors gone? Insights into the early clinical departure of US physicians: A national survey. Permanente Journal. DOI: 10.7812/TPP/25.219. https://www.thepermanentejournal.org/doi/10.7812/TPP/25.219
