Professional satisfaction

Survey of professionals specialized in clinical medicine

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, we have observed an increasingly fragmented medicine, with doctors graduating from universities and desisting from training in fundamental “core” medical specialties, preferring subspecialties instead. This article arises from questions that stem from this observation. Objectives and methods: The general objective of this work is to assess the motivation of clinicians in the Argentine Republic and identify key determinants. This involves understanding their satisfaction with the specialization and financial remuneration, gauging whether they would choose internal medicine again, or if they would practice their profession abroad. This is a mixed qualitative-quantitative, descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study, conducted in Argentina. It was based on an online survey administered to medical specialists in clinical medicine or those currently undergoing training, conducted between May and July 2022. Results: Data suggestive of positive motivation were taken to include satisfaction with the specialty and the potential desire to choose it again. On the other hand, negative motivation was identified by dissatisfaction with the specialty, a preference not to choose it again, the desire to leave the country, and dissatisfaction with remuneration. Discussion: It was observed that 3 out of 10 clinicians, even though satisfied with the specialty, would not choose it again, and 6 out of 10 would choose to leave the country. Within this latter group, dissatisfaction with remuneration emerged as a significantly stronger determinant compared to the other groups. In conclusion, while assessing the motivational level of clinicians in Argentina proves to be a very complex task, this study underscores a high level of positive motivation towards the specialization.  However, material conditions such as dissatisfaction with remuneration, multiple employments, and work overload lead to an important level of disillusionment, contributing to negative motivation.