What motivated you to go into medicine? What keeps you going? These questions sparked the latest research from Jackson Physician Search and LocumTenens.com. The joint survey, conducted in January of 2025, elicited responses from more than 1,200 physicians and advanced practice providers. The findings, documented in the report “Is Medicine Still a Calling? Exploring Physician Attitudes About Purpose in Medicine,” suggest most clinicians felt a strong sense of “calling” or “purpose” when they began their careers. However, about half say that the feeling has diminished over time. Whether or not the sense of purpose has diminished, the survey found those who initially felt called to the profession are more resilient and tend to be happier in their jobs.
Physician Job Search Priorities vs. Motivations
As Regional Vice President of Recruitment for Jackson Physician Search, I regularly speak with physicians and advanced practice providers about what they seek in a job. While job search priorities vary, there are some trends one can predict based on their age and where they are in their careers. For example, residents seeking their first jobs out of training prioritize compensation and recruitment incentives like loan repayment. Mid-career physicians have learned that it takes more than money to be happy at work, so they tend to care more about the type of organization they are joining and its leadership structure. They also generally don’t want to uproot their families, so location is often a top priority. Older physicians usually want a job that offers the flexibility to scale back as they approach retirement. Autonomy is also important for this demographic.
These are job search priorities, but is this what motivates them? The new research digs deeper. Yes, compensation, location, scope of practice, etc., may dictate which physician jobs they take. However, what motivates them to practice in the first place? According to the survey, obvious factors like job stability and competitive compensation motivate some (21% and 34%, respectively). However, the most commonly cited motivators were “a desire to serve humanity and help others” (73%) and “intellectual challenges and life-long learning” (56%).
The survey also asked respondents if they felt medicine was their “calling.” Nearly nine out of 10 said yes. More specifically, 61% said it was “definitely a calling,” and 28% said it was “probably a calling.” Although approximately half (52%) said their sense of calling has diminished over the years, the numbers suggest those who started with a strong sense of calling continue to feel more passion and engagement at work and are more likely to stay in their jobs.
Generational Views on Medicine as a Calling
Does age impact how physicians and APPs think about medicine as a calling? The research indicates that it does. Baby Boomers are likelier to report a strong sense of calling (76%) and the highest levels of passion for their work (39% are “very passionate”). They are also most likely to say they would definitely pursue medicine again (52%) and encourage a young person to pursue medicine (39%). Gen Xers were less likely than Baby Boomers to say medicine was definitely a calling (67%), and Millennials (50%) and Gen Z (51%) were both considerably less likely than Gen X to feel this way. This was initially surprising considering other research and anecdotal evidence suggesting the increased importance placed on meaningful work by the younger generations.
However, when asked what motivated respondents to pursue medicine, the numbers line up more like we might expect. Gen Z was most likely to be motivated by a desire to serve humanity and help others (85%). Baby Boomers were least likely (70%) to say they were motivated by a desire to serve humanity. So, just because the sense of calling has declined doesn’t mean the desire to serve is diminishing.
Perhaps the term “calling” didn’t resonate with the youngest physicians. Still, they are clearly motivated to serve others and are likelier than Millennials and Gen X to say those reasons are still motivating (48%). Gen Z and Baby Boomers were almost equally likely to say they are very happy and feel joy at work (27% and 28%). It’s especially interesting that their engagement levels are so similar, considering one group has newly started their careers (all but the oldest members of Gen Z are still in training), and the other is nearing the end of their careers in medicine.
The Evolution of Purpose
It’s normal for one’s passions and sense of purpose to evolve. What excited you about medicine at 25 is unlikely to be the same thing that keeps you going at 45. That’s to be expected. However, one question I have after exploring the data is this: While the oldest generation reports the highest levels of passion and purpose, did they always feel that way? Or perhaps, as they near the end of their careers, they can see with greater clarity the impact they have made over the years. For Millennial and Gen X physicians who are still in the thick of it, it’s difficult to see past the day-to-day challenges and frustrations of practice. Gen Z has yet to experience the many highs and lows of the profession. Thus, the evolution of purpose, passion, and even burnout is normal.
Some evolution of purpose is expected. However, in talking with physicians, the loss of purpose often aligns with the loss of autonomy. That is, physicians with minimal ability to make decisions for their patients are most likely to question their impact and feel they have lost their sense of purpose. Instead of feeling discouraged by this realization, I see it as a catalyst for change. If your current organization can’t offer you the autonomy you need to live your purpose, perhaps it is time to pursue other opportunities.
Reigniting one’s sense of purpose doesn’t always mean changing jobs. The report suggests you can proactively reconnect with your purpose by identifying those aspects of the job that still bring fulfillment. Consider the moments that reinforce why you went into medicine, and then work with employers or prospective employers to ensure you spend the bulk of your time on those activities. This may be easier said than done, but it starts with building awareness of what “feeds” you as a clinician and being mindful in those moments where you are making a difference.
It may also be beneficial to seek out older mentors and discuss those feelings of discouragement. Older physicians who feel a strong sense of purpose may help younger physicians see the broader picture. The older generation can help the younger develop an awareness of the many ways they are making a difference.
Maintaining a Sense of Calling
The sense of “calling” and desire to serve that drove physicians into medicine may evolve, but the feeling remains crucial in maintaining job satisfaction and resilience throughout a career. While the survey results show a decline in the sense of “calling” among younger generations, the desire to serve humanity and make a meaningful impact remains strong. Recognizing and nurturing the aspects of medicine that bring fulfillment can help clinicians reconnect with their passion, regardless of age or career stage. By pursuing mentorships, increasing self-awareness, and incorporating more aspects of the job that bring fulfillment, such as autonomy, physicians can continue to find purpose in their roles, ensuring that the motivations that led them to medicine remain a source of strength and satisfaction throughout their careers.
Are you seeking a new physician job that helps you live out your purpose? The recruitment team at Jackson Physician Search is eager to help. Contact us today to discuss your goals, or start searching for physician jobs online now.
About Neal Waters
Neal’s career in retained physician search began more than 15 years ago. Early on, he recognized the strain an entire community feels when there is a shortage of physicians to meet patient demand. Since his first successful placement, Neal’s passion for identifying the best providers for each healthcare organization with which he recruits has grown.
Neal serves as Regional Vice President of Recruiting. In his role, he serves as a mentor to a growing team of Jackson Physician Search recruiters. He also enjoys collaborating with in-house recruiters who are dedicated to optimizing their physician recruitment and candidate acquisition strategies. Likewise, Neal specializes in helping physicians, especially residents and those early in their careers, advance their professional careers by finding the right fit.
