How does it feel to be a pathologist in turkey? results of a survey on job satisfaction and perception of pathology

Abstract

Objective: Job satisfaction affects productivity and professional performance in many aspects; however, there is limited data regarding pathologists' job satisfaction. Hence, in this study, we aimed to evaluate surgical pathologists' job satisfaction in Turkey. Materials and Methods: We conducted a 59-item web-based survey questioning respondents' institutional background, history of training, continuing education status/research activities, physical conditions, professional well-being, and job satisfaction level. Likert-type and open/ close ended questions were asked and scored. The participants were also asked to complete the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form. Results: Of the 321 respondents, 75% were female, the median age was 41 years (range 28-71 years), experience as a pathologist ranged between 0.12 and 44 years (mean 11.4±9.16 years). Academic pathologists, senior pathologists with ≥20 years of experience, and pathologists working at large institutions and living in developed cities expressed better physical conditions, higher satisfaction with working conditions and, therefore, higher overall job satisfaction (p<0.05). 98% agreed that pathologists have a critical impact on patient management; however, the majority (>80%) thought that patients barely know what pathologists do and other physicians rarely understand the difficulty and limitations in pathology practice. 82% were happy to have chosen pathology but 45% reported to experience the feeling of being "burnt out". Conclusions: Our findings suggest that younger pathologists are less satisfied with their jobs and a surgical pathologist's job satisfaction increases with the physical and technical quality of the pathology laboratory/institution, and years of experience. Pathologists seem to be aware of their important role in patient management although they think that pathology remains "invisible" to many physicians and patients.

Pathologists’ professional lifestyle

“…[ 5 ] Pehlivanoglu et al 's (2020) study on Turkish pathologists, showed that the majority of the pathologists participating in this study are satisfied with their job choice due to the high importance of pathology in diagnosis. [ 4 15 ] However, young nonacademic pathologists felt job insecure and dissatisfied, while young academic pathologists felt Burnout due to long working hours and multiple tasks. Interpersonal conflicts were also more common in these individuals.…”

“…The study also showed that men were more confident and satisfied with their job than female pathologists. [ 15 ]…”

“…Burnout symptoms are more common in physicians than in other occupations in the United States. [ 18 ] In different studies, a significant number (44%,[ 19 ] 34%,[ 20 ] 45%[ 15 ]) of physicians have shown signs of Burnout. Pathologists are no exception.…”

Burnout and Job Satisfaction Among Family Physicians

“…Absence of job satisfaction may a facilitating factor, and, correspondingly, its presence may be protective against burnout syndrome. 20 Pehlivanoğlu et al revealed that 'younger pathologists are less satisfied' and 'job satisfaction increases with the physical and technical quality of the pathology laboratory/institution, and years of experience' 21 According to Yilmaz, 'the work satisfaction level of family physicians, who are on call and whose financial income expectation is not satisfied, was found low. It is seen that there is a strong correlation between the inadequacy of work satisfaction with burnout and anxiety, depression'.…”