Surgeons can value their careers while reporting poorer quality of life
A review of cardiothoracic careers found high job satisfaction alongside concerns about work demands, mental health and staying in the profession.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
High job satisfaction and low quality of life appeared together in this review of cardiothoracic careers. Mentorship, supportive colleagues and hospital support were identified as helpful resources, while heavy workloads, work-life conflict and sexual harassment were among the concerns. These associations identify possible areas for workplace improvement, but do not show that changing them will improve well-being.
The abstract does not report pooled estimates, study quality or how outcomes were measured. Its broad summary cannot establish whether workplace factors caused differences in well-being or whether particular changes would help.
What the review examined
Researchers looked across career satisfaction, quality of life, burnout, mental health and leaving the profession. They organized the evidence around job demands and available support, allowing positive and negative features of the same career to be considered together.
Why satisfaction is only part of the picture
The reported quality-of-life comparison favored other specialties, even though cardiothoracic surgeons generally described high job satisfaction. This distinction matters when interpreting career surveys: enjoyment of the work does not by itself describe overall well-being.
The original publication
Sustainable Employability in Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review Identifying Job Demands and Resources.
Langmuur SJJ, Veen KM, Derks D et al.
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40971576
- Record checked
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