Female physicians are more likely to want to retire before age 60 compared to male physicians, according to a May 2 Medscape report.
The “Ambitions for Life After Practicing: Medscape Physicians and Retirement Report 2025” surveyed 7,322 physicians across more than 29 specialties between Oct. 3 and Jan. 15.
Here are four things to know:
1. Most physicians said they want to retire in their mid- to late 60s, but female physicians were more likely to want to retire in their early 60s or in their 50s.
2. Physicians said they hope to practice into at least their mid-60s because they still have more to contribute as a physician (62%), they do not think they will have enough savings to retire earlier (45%) and medicine is their passion and identity (37% and 27%, respectively).
3. All physicians said they think they need about $4.15 million to retire comfortably. The average American figures they need about $1.46 million to retire.
4. Physicians said they anticipate spending more money and time in retirement on traveling, leisure activities and investments.
