As match day approaches and soon-to-be medical school graduates solidify their future plans, what better time to reflect and consider what sets any clinician on the path of medicine? For some, they always knew they would pursue medicine, whether generated by a deep-seated desire to help others or perhaps a need to follow in a family member’s footsteps. For others, a personal encounter with healthcare incited the desire to be a part of the industry — either to pay a positive experience forward or to improve conditions for the next generation. In all of these scenarios, the decision might be considered a “calling.” New research suggests this concept may play a bigger role in physician job satisfaction than we knew.
This sense of calling is the subject of a recent survey conducted by Jackson Physician Search and LocumTenens.com. They sought to discover what initially motivated physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) and how those motivations have evolved over time. The findings, documented in the report “Is Medicine Still a Calling? Exploring Physician Attitudes About Purpose in Medicine,” suggest clinicians with a strong sense of calling are generally happier at work and better equipped to manage the many challenges they face.
Most Clinicians Feel Called to Medicine
The survey found that nine out of ten respondents either definitely (61%) or probably (28%) felt a calling to pursue medicine at the outset of their careers. When asked what specifically motivated them to pursue medicine, 73% cited “helping others/serving humanity.” This suggests that altruism plays a role in one’s sense of calling and is often the primary inspiration for entering the medical field.
The Evolution of the Calling Over Time
Despite a strong sense of calling in the beginning, more than half of the respondents reported that their sense of calling has diminished over time. The decline perhaps reflects many clinicians’ frustrations when faced with common pain points such as the corporatization of medicine, administrative burdens, and lack of autonomy. Despite these challenges, 50% of physicians still report high or fairly high levels of engagement. Those who said medicine was definitely a calling were more likely to report the highest levels of engagement.
Specialties and Purpose
The sense of medicine as a calling varies significantly by specialty. Those with the strongest sense of calling are more likely to work in women’s medicine (70%), general medicine (68%), and behavioral medicine (63%). In contrast, specialists in diagnostic medicine (45%) and musculoskeletal medicine (43%) were less likely to regard their work as a true calling. This finding suggests that those with a strong sense of calling are more likely to be drawn to specialties with more patient interaction and relationship building — something medical students may want to consider when selecting a residency path. However, it is beneficial for clinicians of all career stages and specialties to reflect on what personally motivates them to practice medicine and choose a job opportunity that aligns closest to those values.
Regardless of specialty, advanced practice providers were more likely than physicians to describe medicine as “definitely a calling” (72% vs. 58%) and reported higher engagement and passion levels than physicians. APPs were almost twice as likely to recommend a medical career than physicians.
Impact of Calling on Physician Job Satisfaction
Those who view medicine as a calling are more likely to express high levels of engagement with their jobs and are more inclined to choose medicine again if given the chance. They are also more likely to encourage a young person to pursue a medical career. All of these factors point to higher levels of job satisfaction among those with a strong sense of calling.
This group of clinicians is also more likely to say they plan to remain with their current employers. APPs and physicians thrive in jobs that foster their sense of purpose and allow them to feel they are making a difference. Yet, when it comes to the job search for an APP or physician, “ability to live out my purpose” is rarely among the top search criteria…but shouldn’t it be?
Finding an APP Job or Physician Job That Fosters Purpose
The data suggests that a strong sense of purpose allows clinicians to feel happier in their jobs, but what if the sense of purpose just isn’t there? Whether the feeling of a “calling” was never there or has dwindled, how can clinicians find job satisfaction if they begin to feel like their efforts are pointless?
Fortunately, there are actionable steps clinicians can take to rediscover or reignite their purpose. The report concludes with a Q&A with Shane Jackson, Jackson Healthcare’s President and author of This Is the Thing: About Life, Joy, and Owning Your Purpose. Shane recommends first identifying those aspects of the job that still bring fulfillment. These moments reinforce why you went into medicine and confirm your decisions. For 52% of clinicians, this happens when problem-solving and making clinical decisions. Patient interactions are also meaningful. Clinicians must work with employers or prospective employers to ensure they have ample time for the tasks and aspects of their job that bring them the most joy, like patient interactions and problem-solving. While compensation and financial rewards are important, other studies indicate that placing too much importance on compensation leads to short tenure.
This is not to say those with a sense of purpose don’t also feel discouraged by the system at times, but they are fed by interactions with patients and the knowledge that they are serving their purpose of helping others. Thus, the most passionate and engaged physicians and APPs seek jobs that bring them closer to patients, allow them to problem-solve, and offer support to reduce the administrative burden that often leads to burnout.
If you are seeking an APP or physician job that allows you to live your purpose, the recruitment team at Jackson Physician Search is eager to assist. Our dedicated recruiters have the experience and nationwide network to help you find the opportunity that best fits your personal and professional needs. Reach out today to tell us what you are looking for, or search for jobs online now.
