From the Annals of Family Medicine, Drs Karen Fairhurst and Carl May conducted a study on doctors in the United Kingdom to determine what gives them the most satisfaction in their job.  (Ann Fam Med 2006;4:500-505.)

This study reinforces what I find the most satisfying in my working with patients.  When I work with patients, I find it very gratifying to be able to see progress form someone who is suffering physically with their pain, and suffering with confusion because they don’t understand their condition to a person who is making progress and is empowered to know exactly what is physically causing the hurt.

When I explain to someone what is going on with their spine, back pain, or headaches, I love it when they show a sense of relief because of a better understanding. There is also an interpersonal connection between doctors and patients that supersede the mechanical aspect of providing a diagnosis and a treatment plan.  It’s rewarding to have that connection with a patient, and that is why I choose to spend more time than the average doctor with a consultation.