The Effect of Understanding Issues of Personal Finance on the Well-being of Physicians in Training

Peter Connelly, MD; Cassandra List, MD

WMJ. 2019;117(4):164-166.

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Abstract

Background: This study assessed trends in personal financial issues among physical medicine and rehabilitation resident physicians and their impact on resident well-being.

Methods: A 25-question cross-sectional survey was sent to 18 physical medicine and rehabilitation residents.

Results: A total of 17 residents completed the survey (94% response rate), with 82% (14 of 17) endorsing personal finances as a contributor to their personal health. Residents also endorsed minimal previous financial education and an interest in more formal education on related topics.

Discussion: This study revealed personal financial issues are a factor in resident well-being and garner high levels of interest. Despite this, residents have received little financial education. These results have motivated us to address this deficit in our education program.

Author Affiliations: Medical College of Wisconsin (Connelly); Zablocki VA Medical Center, (Connelly); Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals (List); Milwaukee, Wis.
Corresponding Author: Peter Connelly, MD, Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53226; phone 630.215.7346; fax 414.955.0104; email pconnelly@mcw.edu.
Acknowledgement: The authors wish to acknowledge Danny Riley, PhD for assistance in statistical analysis and manuscript review.
Funding/Support: None declared.
Financial Disclosures: None declared.
Presentations: This research was presented as an abstract poster presentation at the Annual Assembly of the Association of Academic Physiatrists, February 15, 2018.

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