ABOUT THIS BOOK

Physicians retire at all ages—older doctors forsake medical practice when tired of it or when forced to do so by age or illness; younger practitioners leave because of burnout, disillusionment with the medical system, or a desire to engage in new activities. But research and literature about physician retirement is scanty. Given the limited resources available, many physicians who want to retire from medicine remain mired in indecision, wondering how their life might be different if they left medicine. Sharon Romm has written the definitive guide to help health care professionals of all ages prepare for the joys and challenges ahead.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

SHARON ROMM, MD, a writer and speaker, is a practicing psychiatrist at the University of Washington in Seattle.

REVIEWS

“A physician will experience many firsts in their career: the first white coat, the first murmur heard, the first baby born, and the first day they stop practicing. Dr. Romm has compiled a must-read to assist with the final first.”—Louis Weinstein, MD, Thomas Jefferson University

“Filled with insight and understanding, Dr. Romm’s book shows the way to a rewarding life beyond medicine. Whether you’re a younger physician preparing for retirement or an older physician who has already retired, this is a must-read.”—Ken Teufel, MD, medical director, Interim Physicians

“Dr. Romm addresses important topics such as burnout, deciding when to retire from clinical practice, the emotional challenges surrounding retirement, and strategies for a fulfilling life after medicine. The vignettes of physicians’ experiences and their reflections on retirement are particularly engaging and effective. I will be recommending this book as a must-read for my colleagues.”—John Harlan, MD, professor emeritus, University of Washington

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword by Paul Wick • Acknowledgments • Introduction • Burnout • Is It Time to Move On? • Emotional Challenges • More Problems • Substance Abuse and Other Addictions • Couples and Retirement • The Importance of Friends • Finding Romance • Staying Connected with Medicine • Finding Activities Outside of Medicine • Retiring Young • Second Thoughts • Summing Up • Bibliography • Index