For its 2025 “Medscape Oncologist Mental Health & Well-Being Report,” Medscape surveyed 5,741 physicians across more than 29 specialties, including cardiology, between July 1 and Oct. 2.
Here are seven notes on the survey:
- Compared to the previous three years:
- Overall happiness improved for 21% of respondents, stayed the same for 52% and worsened for 27%.
- Work-life balance improved for 23% of respondents, stayed the same for 37% and worsened for 40%.
- Family relationships improved for 25% of respondents, stayed the same for 57% and worsened for 18%.
- Friendships improved for 22% of respondents, stayed the same for 51% and worsened for 27%.
- A larger percentage of millennial oncologists reported improvements in overall happiness, work-life balance, family relationships and friendships compared to earlier generations.
- Seventy-one percent of respondents said happiness and work-life balance are attainable in oncology.
- Twenty-four percent of oncologists reported being burnt out, 15% reported depression and 21% reported experiencing both burnout and depression.
When asked if they would take a pay cut in exchange for more personal time, 66% said yes.
- Twenty-seven percent said their own health and wellness was a top priority, 46% said it was important and 24% said it was something they do not pay enough attention to.
- In terms of other priorities:
- Outside hobbies and interests had a high level of importance for 81% of respondents.
- Vacation time was very important to 59% of respondents.
- More personal and family time was very important to 62% of respondents.
- Of the oncologists surveyed, 19% said they are exercising more and 25% said they are exercising less than last year, 41% said they are trying to lose weight and 46% said they are trying to maintain weight, and 21% said they do not drink alcohol.
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