A recent study by the AMA Insurance Agency of 125,000 practicing physicians spanning across a broad spectrum of specialties found many significant differences in work/life profiles by age.
For example, almost 75% of physicians under the age 40 have student loan debt, with almost half owing $150,000 to $200,000. Eighty-three percent of all physicians are still paying off their loans. Nearly one out of four of physicians under 40 plans on changing employers in the next 5 years, while 44% of those 60 to 69 plan on retiring during that same timeframe. Retirement savings is a top concern of all physicians regardless of age. Half of the doctors surveyed said they are behind in their retirement plans with only 6% indicating they are where they think they should be.
Despite the fact that nearly 25% of the physicians surveyed work 60 to more than 80 hours a week, they are still very physically active outside of their profession. The top activities include running/jogging, bicycling, aerobics, and camping/hiking.