By Dr. Josh Daily, WCI Columnist

As physicians, we dedicate years to training for a career that is intellectually stimulating and deeply meaningful. Yet, many of us find ourselves disillusioned, burned out, or simply dissatisfied with our work. When I first chose my job as a pediatric cardiologist, I made many of the same mistakes that most physicians make—we optimize for salary, prestige, or job security but rarely consider the research-backed factors that actually contribute to long-term flourishing.

Through my work directing a medical student course, Personal and Professional Financial Essentials for Physicians, I’ve helped future doctors navigate job selection. In doing so, I delved into the broader research on human flourishing, and what I found surprised me: we rarely prioritize the things that actually matter.

Let’s explore the key drivers of long-term happiness at work—backed by research—and apply them to how physicians should select and design their jobs.

Keep reading this article on The White Coat Investor.