Overall happiness for men, women across 10 specialties

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Male psychiatrists and female endocrinologists reported the greatest improvement in their overall happiness across 10 specialties, according to Medscape.

Medscape surveyed more than 5,700 physicians across more than 29 specialties between July 1 and Oct. 2. The results were compiled into a general report, “‘If Boundaries Are Set, It Is Possible’: Medscape Physician Mental Health & Well-Being Report 2025,” that included metrics from all specialties. Separate reports broken down according to specialty were also published.

To changes in happiness, physicians were asked to describe the direction of their overall happiness over the prior 3 years. Overall happiness included work-life balance, family relationships and friendships.

Across all specialties, 23% of men reported an improvement in happiness, compared to 25% of women. 

Here are 10 specialties with their reported changes in happiness for men and women.

Dermatology

ImprovedStayed the sameWorsened
Men32%44%25%
Women23%48%29%

Emergency medicine

ImprovedStayed the sameWorsened
Men21%39%39%
Women28%38%34%

Endocrinology

ImprovedStayed the sameWorsened
Men15%63%23%
Women36%38%26%

Family medicine

ImprovedStayed the sameWorsened
Men25%47%28%
Women25%31%44%

Hospitalist

ImprovedStayed the sameWorsened
Men23%46%31%
Women29%46%24%

Neurology

ImprovedStayed the sameWorsened
Men23%40%37%
Women28%44%28%

OBGYN

ImprovedStayed the sameWorsened
Men21%49%30%
Women29%40%31%

Ophthalmology 

ImprovedStayed the sameWorsened
Men23%38%39%
Women21%38%41%

Pediatrics

ImprovedStayed the sameWorsened
Men29%44%28%
Women20%46%35%

Psychiatry

ImprovedStayed the sameWorsened
Men35%41%24%
Women28%46%26%
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