Being a doctor: time for a reality check

Dr. Wang and colleagues’ survey results on job satisfaction of doctors in China and its follow-up study on attractiveness on medicine career in China has provided an insight that for many doctors, having a job that is truly satisfying—the kind where work doesn’t feel like work anymore is pure fantasy (1-3). Ultimately the heart of job satisfaction is in your attitude and expectations. It’s more about how you approach your job rather than the actual duties performed. Career dreams are one thing; practical reality is often another.