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Contact: Karen Nikos
CMA Media Relations
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SACRAMENTO— Doctors in California think health care is in trouble, and 91 % say it’s unsustainable, according to a statewide poll released today by the California Medical Association. Despite the challenges of practicing medicine, 81% of doctors would still choose the practice of medicine today, and they derive the most satisfaction from treating patients.

These were among the results of an on-line survey conducted in April among a representative sample of California doctors, both CMA members and non members. The Survey was conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates on behalf of the CMA. The CMA represents 35,000 California physicians.

“This poll gives us some very helpful information. Much of it we already thought was true through our own research and conversations with our members. It is very useful to have these findings from a scientific poll representing all doctors statewide,” said Dr. Anmol S. Mahal, president of the CMA. “We doctors love treating patients, and we love the practice of medicine, but there are many challenges today in just keeping a practice running,” added Dr. Mahal, a Fremont gastroenterologist. “Doctors are very concerned about preserving their relationships with their patients, and we struggle to be able to spend enough time with them to give them adequate care and attention.”

Troubling for the future of patient care in our state, more than half of physicians report having considered leaving the state to practice elsewhere. Doctors who have considered leaving California are more likely to feel that the health care system in the state is in trouble. A CMA survey in 2001 reported similar findings. Doctors responded that technology and pharmaceutical advances have improved the practice of medicine, with doctors who have practiced medicine the longest feeling the strongest about these improvements.