The next time you go in for a check up, give your doc a hug. A recent study says they are exhausted and burned out, and the stress from their work is causing marital and family discord. You can read more in the 2006 American College of Physician Executives' Physician Morale Survey at acpe.org.
In a nutshell, the survey finds that more than half of the physicians who participated are so fed up that they have considered leaving the practice of medicine. Respondents say the top five factors contributing to low morale are low reimbursement, loss of autonomy, bureaucratic red tape, patient overload, and loss of respect.
Without making light of the doctor’s situation, I recall attending what was supposed to be a stress reduction seminar when work began getting overly stressful. The seminar’s soothing message: It’s tough everywhere so get used to it!
Actually, one of its exercises was insightful. It was to write our own obituary or what we’d like others to read at our funeral service. It brought to light what was most important in life – not to be the world’s best editor, engineer, or worker, but to be the best husband, father, son, and brother.
OK, what to do about the bummed docs? The next time you visit your doctor and you think he or she is doing a fine job, do what you do when you get good service anywhere else: Tip them. (Now what would be proper: 10%, 15%?)

An even better tip for a burntout physician would be to check out Grapevine Discovery . They have a program specifically designed for physicians who feel they are burntout on their profession.

Raph

This message has been edited. Last edited by: raphael,

A good waitress has a better income from tips per hour worked than a doctor. see: doctors jobs/

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Jobs,