Is There Life Without Stress?
2. Madison, Wisconsin
The Basics
Wisconsin residents show a relatively high level of happiness and participate in many activities outside of work.
Physicians are involved in fewer lawsuits, and a high percentage of physicians are employed.
Madison is a low-stress city with plenty of diversions.
State Profile: Wisconsin invented the waterpark, where you can get away from work. It also has the sixth highest interest in wildlife-related recreation and is the 12th best state for golf. The state is the 15th happiest and the 18th most livable, with the eighth lowest divorce rate.
Relief for Doctors: The state has the 14th lowest number of malpractice lawsuits, the sixth highest physician income, and the second highest rate of employed physicians.
City Profile: Madison is known for its sports and social clubs and miles of biking and walking trails. It is rated as the fourth least-stressed city, the seventh best city to relocate to, the third most livable city, and it has the ninth highest score for well-being among mid-sized cities. It has the fifth highest number of restaurants per capita, the fifth best farmers market, and it's the 16th most bike-friendly city.
3. Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The Basics
South Dakota is a low-stress state, but there are some safety issues.
Physicians here have high incomes and a low level of malpractice lawsuits.
Sioux Falls has a strong economy and low stress levels.
State Profile: South Dakota has the feel of a small town, with fewer than 1 million people in the entire state. It ranks as the third highest state for well-being and the ninth happiest state.
Relief for Doctors: Factors that could lower physician stress include the fourth fewest medical board disciplinary actions and the fourth lowest number of malpractice lawsuits. The state is ranked seventh highest in hospital patient satisfaction and highest in practices' teamwork with physician assistants or nurse practitioners. Physicians here also have the third highest income, and the state has the third highest rate of employed status.
City Profile: Sioux Falls, a nexus for the banking and credit card industry, has the highest self-reported level of relatively good health in the nation, and it is rated the ninth least stressed city. It is the ninth happiest city and the city with the healthiest population. Sioux Falls is rated the fourth best city for families and the ninth best-run city. However, it's a long way from any major city.
4. Des Moines, Iowa
The Basics
Iowa is a cheerful, family-friendly state.
Physicians here have higher incomes but also a higher rate of malpractice lawsuits.
Des Moines has relatively high ratings for well-being.
State Profile: Lacking the hustle and bustle of both coasts may be the reason for Iowa's high ranking. Stress levels are lower here than in most states. Iowa is ranked the seventh happiest state and the fifth most family-friendly state. It has the lowest divorce rate; the fourth best car drivers in the country for accidents, infractions, and fatalities; and is ranked the 24th best state for golf.
Relief for Doctors: Iowa doctors enjoy the eighth highest physician income, which may help alleviate stress, but they also face the 10th highest number of malpractice lawsuits and the seventh highest amount of medical board disciplinary actions. Iowa has the sixth highest rate of insurance coverage. The state has the 10th highest ranking in hospital patient satisfaction, and it is ranked 12th highest in practices' teamwork with physician assistants or nurse practitioners.
City Profile: Des Moines has totally renovated its downtown, but most people live in the suburbs. The area has been rated as the sixth best city to relocate to, the 12th best mid-sized city for well-being, and the 21st most family-friendly city. The city's farmers market has been rated the 15th best in the nation, but the river floods periodically.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Leigh Page. Best Places to Practice to Avoid Burnout - Medscape - May 10, 2017.
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