We can define a physician’s happiness in two broad categories: at work and outside
of work. Happiness outside of work is largely a function
of the lifestyle of the specialty. This encompasses factors like the number of hours spent in
the hospital, the amount of money one makes, and how predictable or unpredictable the work
hours are. Specialties with favorable lifestyles tend to score higher in terms of happiness
outside of work. The top five happiest specialties outside
of work are rheumatology, otolaryngology, endocrinology, pediatrics, and general surgery.
Happiness at work is largely dependent on factors like the amount of time spent with
patients, the patient population, the immediacy of patient improvement, and the level of stress
at work. The top five happiest specialties at work
are dermatology, ophthalmology, allergy and immunology, followed by a three-way tie between
orthopedic surgery, psychiatry, and pulmonary medicine.
This data may be helpful; however, don't let it sway you completely. Rather than looking
at data about others' happiness levels, examine your own. Going into a specialty that you
actually enjoy is more important to your long-term happiness than just pursuing whatever has
the best lifestyle, procedures, or compensation.