Why are Physicians So Angry? (Physician Anger)‪.‬

ONE CAN HARDLY GO TO a party or a board meeting these days without encountering physicians who are discouraged and cynical about the practice of medicine. Why are they angry? How widespread is this anger? What is the relationship of physician discontent to the political gridlock in Washington that makes significant changes to the health care system unlikely in the next five years? Is there a relationship between physician anger and larger trends that are affecting all of us as we enter the 21st Century? These are questions worth exploring, because the health care system and patients cannot afford to have physicians who are not totally dedicated to their important work. A New England Journal of Medicine editorial entitled "Doctor Discontent" generated an unusually large number of letters to the editor in early 1999. (1) David C. Squillacote, MD, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida wrote: "I believe you understate the situation a bit in your editorial. Words such as 'unhappy,' 'dismayed,' and 'frustrated' could easily have been replaced with 'angry,' 'dispirited,' and 'hostile.' Many of us feel we were sold a bill of goods." (2) Richard A. Kendrick, MD, of Modesto, California shares with journal readers that he will retire at 51 because "It is just no fun being a doctor anymore." (3) A physician's wife also wrote in to complain that my spouse's judgment...(is) constantly questioned by nameless and faceless corporate minions armed with rule books." (4) These letters from all parts of the country give a flavor of the passion felt by physicians, but they do not really get at the source of the discontent.