Physicians Exiting Practice Earlier

Researchers identify burnout-associated workplace pressures and caregiving responsibilities as major contributors to physician attrition.

By
Kerri Miller
May 14, 2026
3 min

Conexiant

Objective:

To analyze the reasons and demographics of physicians leaving clinical practice, comparing findings with a similar cohort from 2008.

Key Findings:

Mean age of physicians leaving practice is 48 years, down from 57 years in 2008.
45% cited 'hassle factor' and 'too stressful' work as reasons for leaving.
41% cited increasingly unrealistic patient demands.
38% cited lack of professional satisfaction.
Malpractice premiums were cited by only 11% of respondents, indicating a shift in reasons for departure.
Women represented 64% of respondents and had shorter clinical careers than men.

Interpretation:

The findings suggest a significant shift in the reasons for early attrition from clinical practice, with burnout-related factors becoming more prominent, although the study design did not establish a causal relationship.