How Gen Y is Changing the Medical Profession

In another sign that the Millennial generation is changing the longest-standing rules of work, the front page of today’s Wall Street Journal features a story about the reshaping of the medical profession.

Calling the changes a “cultural revolution,” reporter Jacob Goldstein tells the stories of young doctors who are refusing to accept the long-held practice that MDs should give up their quality of life in order to be on call 24/7. The article discusses new models of medicine, particularly the “hospitalist” model, in which doctors focus on patients who are in the hospital and work set hours for a fixed salary.

The article raises important questions: Are such changes harmful to patients? Can older doctors adapt and embrace new models of working? Are there other ways to change the medical profession as we think about reforming the health care system overall. I’d love to know your thoughts on these questions. Another question I would add: How does this trend affect nurses?

My take is that this is an important step that all professions and career-minded people should watch with interest. We are seeing flexibility and change take place in some of the most traditional industries — finance (with flexible work programs), law (with the suggestion of eradicating the billable hour) and now medicine. We are clearly in the midst of a huge shift in the way we work and the way we build careers.  Exciting, huh?

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Lindsey is a globally recognized career and workplace expert and the leading voice on generational diversity. She has spoken for more than 300 audiences including Google, Goldman Sachs, Estee Lauder, Stanford and Wharton. Lindsey is the author of four career and workplace advice books, and her insights have appeared in media outlets including The TODAY Show, CNBC, NPR, the Harvard Business Review and the Wall Street Journal.

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