Physician Disability Insurance: Take Care of Your Health
Physicians are some of the most highly educated individuals in the country. As an industry, their level and depth of healthcare knowledge is second to none. But how often do they apply that to their own health and well-being?
According to the Center for Disease Control, about 37% of male doctors and 28.6% of female doctors reported being overweight, figures that closely aligns with the national average. About 7-8% of physicians do not exercise at all, where others typically exercise at least twice a week. 88% of trainees and 48% of attending physicians cited tough work schedules and family commitments as keeping them from regular exercise.
The culprit may be a lack of information, rather than disregard. Few medical schools for example, offer education in way of nutritional information. Despite being on the front lines of diabetes and obesity epidemics, few doctors have comprehensive nutritional knowledge.
It is essential physicians take care of their own health, for both their own well-being and their patients. Doctors who practice proactive health habits such as sunscreen, exercise, and not smoking are more likely to emphasize their patients do the same. Doctors who fell into the obese category were less likely to discuss healthy living options with their patients.
The ramifications of personal injury and illness for physicians can be huge. What if you could no longer perform surgery? What if your eyesight started to fade? The risk of injury or disability is real and can threaten your livelihood. According to the American Medical Association, of those who do experience a disability, 1 in 5 is out of work for a year or more.
Take care to protect yourself, your family, and your career. You’ve committed significant financial resources and many hours of study and experience. Physician disability insurance can help were worker’s comp, social security, and savings may not be enough.