National Early Career Transplant Hepatologist Survey: Compensation, Burnout, and Job Satisfaction. Issue 4 (5th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kriss, Michael; Te, Helen S.; Verna, Elizabeth C.; VanWagner, Lisa B.; Scott, Frank I.; Lai, Jennifer C.
• Is Part Of: Hepatology communications. Volume 5:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 701
• Page End: 712
• Publication Date: 2021-01-05
• Subjects: Hepatology -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Liver Diseases; Gastroenterology; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.36
• DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1666
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2471-254X

Abstract

Abstract : Despite the growth of transplant hepatology as a subspecialty over the past decade, data on professional roles and compensation models remain lacking. Furthermore, the prevalence of physician burnout and job satisfaction are unknown in this profession. We aimed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of early career transplant hepatologists to fill these voids in knowledge and to inform current and future transplant hepatologists. An online survey designed to quantify clinical and nonclinical roles, compensation and structure, job satisfaction, and burnout was sent to 256 early career transplant hepatologists. Respondents were divided into three practice settings: university hospital clinical (n = 79), non–university hospital clinical (n = 35), and research (n = 25). The median age of respondents was 38 (interquartile range [IQR] 36‐40) years, and 44% were women. The median half‐days/week spent in clinic was 4 (IQR 3‐6) and in endoscopy was 1 (IQR 1‐2). Most of the respondents provided inpatient care (88%) for a median of 9 (IQR 6.5‐10) weeks/year. The median base compensation was $300, 000 (IQR US $263, 750‐$326, 250), and most (76%) had salary‐based compensation. Although only 8% of respondents were dissatisfied with their position, the prevalence of burnout was high at 35%. Conclusion: This survey is a comprehensive assessment focusing on early career transplant hepatologists, is reflective of the current training paradigm and practice of transplant hepatology, and provides transparency to guide professional negotiations and empower both trainees pursuing careers in transplant hepatology and early career transplant hepatologists. Abstract : Over the past decade, transplant hepatology has matured into a robust subspecialty. Despite this growth, comprehensive data on professional roles, compensation, physician burnout, and job satisfaction remain lacking, leaving trainees and early career transplant hepatologists without discrete information as they start their careers. This national survey of early career transplant hepatologists specifically addresses these gaps, and in so doing, provides a framework for both individuals and programs alike to understand varied roles of transplant hepatologists, compensation structure, and impact of these factors on physician burnout and job satisfaction.