Commentary: Building Human Capital: Discovery, Learning, and Professional Satisfaction

Abstract

Physician satisfaction is an important contributor to a well-functioning health system. Mohr and Burgess report that physicians in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) who spend time in research have greater overall job satisfaction, that satisfaction tracks with aggregate facility research funding, and that satisfaction is higher among physicians working in VA facilities located on the same campus or within walking distance of an affiliated medical school. An environment conducive to research therefore not only advances science but also seems to be a key element of physician satisfaction. In addition to advancing scientific discovery and promoting greater physician satisfaction, these findings suggest that an environment of discovery and learning may yield benefits beyond specific academic endeavors and contribute more broadly to supporting health system performance.