Published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, the following study examined the work lives, professional satisfaction, and burnout of US physicians by career stage and differences across sexes, specialties, and practice setting. A large sample of US physicians from all specialty disciplines were given a survey that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory and items that explored professional life and career satisfaction. The study found that burnout, satisfaction, and other professional challenges for physicians vary by career stage. Middle career appears to be a particularly challenging time for physicians.