Anaesthesiology as a career: Variables inf luencing career choice, level of job satisfaction and attitude towards the specialty among anaesthesiologists of Delhi

Background: Several factors influence the choice of medical specialty as a career. Objective: Our aim was to examine the reasons for choosing a career in anaesthesiology, attitude towards this specialty and level of job satisfaction. Methods: A survey was conducted among 461 qualified and trainee anaesthesiologists working in Delhi, using a questionnaire containing 68 items related to reasons for choice of specialty, level of satisfaction with the choice, manifestations of stress, if any, and suggestions for improving the working conditions. Results: Out of 461 subjects, 452 (98%) responded. Of these, 286 (63.3%) were men and 166 (36.7%) were women. One hundred eighty-one (40%) respondents had opted for anaesthesiology as their first choice. Three of the top reasons given for choosing anaesthesiology were, ‘good future prospects in India and abroad’, ‘special interest in intensive care’ and ‘recommendation by seniors/family members’. Forty-eight (10.6%) subjects regretted taking up anaesthesiology as a career. The commonest dislikes about the specialty were ‘dominance by surgeons’, ‘thankless job’, ‘stressful work’ and ‘referral-dependant specialty’. Two hundred twenty-eight (50.4%) subjects reported changes in personality due to job-related stress. Stress-reducing suggestions included ‘workshops and seminars’ and ‘music and reference books in the operation theatre’. Conclusion: The specialty of anaesthesiology has progressed rapidly but is still not a popular choice of career for medical graduates. The choice is strongly related to future employment opportunities, nature of work and influence of family and friends.