A survey of professional satisfaction among Canadian anesthesiologists

Purpose: To assess overall job satisfaction among Canadian anesthesiologist s and examine contributing factors. Methods: A confidential postal survey of all active members of the Canadian Anesthesiologists Society was conducted in 1998. Demographics, anesthesia practice, overall job satisfaction, anesthetic assistance, and perceived su rgeons' and public attitudes towards anesthesiologists were collected. Results: Of 1659 surveys sent, 946 were returned (57% response rate). Seven ty-five percent of the respondents were male and 25% female. Staff comprize d 91%, residents 9%. The average working week was 59 +/- 11.9 hr. Seventy-f ive percent of respondents reported overall job satisfaction. job satisfact ion was associated with intellectual stimulation, good quality of care and interaction with patients. Dissatisfaction stemmed from treatment from the provincial government, hospital politics and long hours. job satisfaction w as associated with satisfaction with the level of operating room (OR) assis tance, perceived high surgical regard and public image. Residents were more satisfied than staff anesthesiologists. Over-all satisfaction was not affe cted by age, gender, region of practice, type of hospital or clinical work. Conclusions: job satisfaction among anesthesiologists is significantly asso ciated with intellectual stimulation, quality of care, interaction with the patients, treatment from the provincial government, hospital politics, wor king hours, OR assistance and perceived attitude of surgeons. Improving the se contributing factors may lead to higher job satisfaction.