Income, productivity, and satisfaction of breast surgeons.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to assess how the practice patterns of breast surgeons affect their income and job satisfaction.


METHODS
A 19-question survey regarding practice patterns and income and job satisfaction was mailed to all active US members of the American Society of Breast Surgeons.


RESULTS
There were 772 responses. An increasing percentage of breast care was associated with lower incomes (P=.0001) and similar income satisfaction (P=.4517) but higher job satisfaction (P=.0001). The increasing proportion of breast care was also associated with fewer hours worked per week (P=.0001). Although incomes were lower in surgeons with a higher proportion of their practice in breast care, income satisfaction was not affected.


CONCLUSIONS
Although cause and effect relationships between income and breast surgery are difficult to establish, several trends do emerge. Most significantly, we found that dedicated breast surgeons have higher job satisfaction ratings and similar income satisfaction despite lower incomes.
Bendorf
David C
DC
Department of Surgery, Room 3082, The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 929 N Saint Francis Street, Wichita, KS 67214, USA.
Helmer
Stephen D
SD
Osland
Jacqueline S
JS
Tenofsky
Patty L
PL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D004526:Efficiency; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires