June 24 | American Medical Association

Fewer doctors are planning to leave their jobs, according to new AMA survey data from nearly 18,000 physicians across 43 states. In 2024, 32% of physicians reported considering leaving their organization within two years, down from 36% in 2023. Physicians more than 20 years out of training reported the highest intent to go, followed by part-time physicians and male physicians. Specialties with the lowest exit rates included dermatology, infectious diseases, pediatrics, and internal medicine. The highest were anesthesiology, vascular surgery, radiology, and general surgery.

The top factors that physicians said would keep them in their roles included better pay, improved workflow efficiency, fewer frustrations with electronic health records, reduced after-hours work, and more consistent staffing. Many physicians also said they planned to cut back hours, though that number dropped slightly from previous years. Despite progress, burnout and dissatisfaction with administrative demands still influence career decisions.

Some health systems have started addressing these concerns with programs focused on onboarding, leadership development, and physician engagement. Organizations that invest in physician well-being and make visible, data-driven changes appear better positioned to retain their workforce. While intent to leave is trending downward, the data reinforce that sustained modifications are needed to support long-term physician retention.