Traditionally viewed as a sacred vocation grounded in purpose and service, the practice of medicine is increasingly tested by systemic challenges that can erode a provider’s sense of meaning. Administrative demands, shifting technology, and industry consolidation are some of the many pressures clinicians face as they try to sustain passion and fulfillment in modern healthcare.
A new report from Jackson Physician Search and LocumTenens.com seeks to uncover how physicians and advanced practice providers perceive their purpose in this constantly changing industry.
Helen Falkner, Regional Vice President of Recruiting at Jackson Physician Search, and Dr. Miechia Esco, Chief Medical Resource Officer at LocumTenens.com, join MGMA’s Business Solutions podcast to discuss the findings from the joint report titled Is Medicine Still a Calling? Together they explore the evolving sense of purpose among clinicians, the role of administrative burden in burnout, and actionable strategies for healthcare organizations to better support their clinical teams.
A Data-Driven Look at Purpose in Medicine
The central question of the study — “Is medicine still a calling?” — was more than rhetorical. According to Dr. Esco, the research aimed to probe beyond workforce statistics to examine the emotional and philosophical motivations behind a career in medicine.
“We look at the concept of purpose in medicine and how physicians feel about it… in light of mounting systemic challenges, you know, shrinking margins, M&A, tech and EMR productivity demands, and for sure, burnout and moral injury,” she highlights.
Falkner adds that the intent was also to explore how deeply provider purpose ties into job satisfaction and retention: “When a provider feels their work is meaningful and it aligns with their personal values, they tend to be more engaged and motivated.”
Surprising Generational Insights
While the data confirms ongoing challenges, Dr. Esco was struck by the responses from older physicians. “It’s surprising that such a high percentage [of baby boomers] had passion, purpose, [were] motivated — They’re masters at navigating challenges.”
This resiliency among seasoned clinicians offers a potential roadmap for fostering purpose across generations, showing that despite hardships, a deeply rooted commitment to patient care can persist.
Reigniting a Diminishing Calling
One of the more sobering statistics from the report revealed that nearly 60% of providers feel their sense of calling has diminished over time. Dr. Esco attributed this erosion to the encroachment of non-clinical duties:
“The ability to fully carry out those [demands] — spending time with patients, learning about new medicine and new technology — when that becomes diluted, so does the sense of calling.”
For organizations aiming to address this, the answer lies in reducing distractions that pull clinicians away from their core mission of care and learning.
Organizational Strategies for Retention and Fulfillment
Falkner outlines four core pillars that healthcare organizations can adopt to better align with provider values:
- Open dialogue: To better understand what drives and fulfills them professionally.
- Culture of support: Accessible leadership, professional development, and work-life balance conversations.
- Mentorship: Assigning a mentor leads to better long-term engagement.
- Realistic expectations: Utopia doesn’t exist. Both providers and administrators should to aim for the "80% mindset."
Supportive Cultures Keep Purpose Alive
Both guests emphasize culture and mission alignment during challenging times. As Dr. Esco notes: “It’s important that our institutions have a strong culture and very defined goals,” she says. “That creates a significant change in how the physician can maneuver in that environment and carry out their calling.”
These structures serve as emotional and operational safety nets that allow clinicians to endure and thrive amid industry pressures.
A Deeper Look at Behavioral and Women’s Health
The study also reveals that clinicians in behavioral health (66%) and women’s health (62%) reported higher-than-average levels of passion and purpose.
“They have a very deep human connection at a person’s most vulnerable time, and these are times that can change the trajectory of their lives,” Dr. Esco explains. “Connection is the cornerstone of sustained sense of calling, passion, purpose, retention, everything.”
The finding affirms that direct, impactful patient relationships are central to sustaining joy and meaning in clinical work.
Combatting Administrative Overload
Administrative burden remains a chief complaint among clinicians. As Falkner shares in a personal example: “My own father... never complains about the patient interactions — it’s always centered on the pajama time and the amount of time that he has to spend on charting and documentation.”
To counter this, she urges organizations to streamline workflows, invest in support staff, and adopt team-based care models that free up physicians to focus on what they do best — patient care.
Making Mentorship Matter
Falkner underscores the importance of structured and intentional mentorship by stating, “Mentorship works the best if it’s real… Organizations need to focus on building real connections.”
Dr. Esco adds that intergenerational mentoring also offers a unique opportunity. “If you have a baby boomer that’s looking at transitioning out... partnering with a younger physician — I think those are really key things.”
Together, they reinforced that effective mentorship helps nurture purpose and provides a bridge across changing professional dynamics.
Resources:
- Full Report: Is Medicine Still a Calling? by Jackson Physician Search and Locum Tenens.com
- Jackson Physician Search website
- Locum Tenens website
- Connect with Helen Falkner on LinkedIn
- Dr. Miechia Esco executive bio
Additional Resources:
Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.
