Income, productivity, and satisfaction of breast surgeons

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess how the practice patterns of breast surgeons affect their income and job satisfaction.MethodsA 19-question survey regarding practice patterns and income and job satisfaction was mailed to all active US members of the American Society of Breast Surgeons.ResultsThere were 772 responses. An increasing percentage of breast care was associated with lower incomes (P = .0001) and similar income satisfaction (P = .4517) but higher job satisfaction (P = .0001). The increasing proportion of breast care was also associated with fewer hours worked per week (P = .0001). Although incomes were lower in surgeons with a higher proportion of their practice in breast care, income satisfaction was not affected.ConclusionsAlthough cause and effect relationships between income and breast surgery are difficult to establish, several trends do emerge. Most significantly, we found that dedicated breast surgeons have higher job satisfaction ratings and similar income satisfaction despite lower incomes.