Family Physicians’ Observations of Their Practice, Well Being, and Health Care in the United States

Conclusions

This survey conveys a sobering glimpse of the prevalence of discontent among family physicians. Given the daily effects of upheaval in our health care system, perhaps we should be pleased that 2 out of 3 family physicians would still choose the same path if they had to do it over again. However, the next decade may answer whether our health care system can thrive if there is continued erosion of the support and confidence of skilled, committed, and reasonably content primary care physicians.

Acknowledgments

Financial assistance was provided by Medstar Research Institute. Thanks to both Ms. Michelle Appel and Medstar Research Institute for statistical consultation. The opinions expressed are the views of the authors and are not to be construed as reflecting the views of Medstar Health or the Public Health Service.