Medscape asked doctors to rate their happiness on a five-point scale, with 5 being as happy as can be.

Rheumatologists — specialists in arthritis, joints, muscles, and bones — topped the list with an average self-reported happiness rating of 4.09.

They were followed closely by dermatologists (4.06), urologists (4.04), ophthalmologists (4.03), and emergency medicine doctors (4.01).

The least happy doctors are a three-way tie between neurologists, gastroenterologists, and internal medicine doctors. They rated their happiness at 3.88 — hardly unhappy, but trailing the pack.

The next least happy docs are oncologists, general surgeons, and plastic surgeons at 3.89 on the happiness scale.

That’s still pretty happy. Why? A clue comes from doctors’ financial report card: 61% of those in practice say they have adequate or more than adequate savings for their stage of life, while only 7% say they are in unmanageable debt.

And it isn’t all about money. More than 4 out of 5 doctors say they are religious, and more than 40% actively practice or attend religious services.

The Healthiest Doctors
When asked to rate their own health on a five-point scale, dermatologists report being the healthiest of all doctors with a 4.23 average rating.

They’re followed by plastic surgeons (4.22), diabeticians/endocrinologists (4.20), orthopedists (4.19), and cardiologists (4.17).

The “least healthy doctors” — critical care doctors — are still pretty healthy, giving themselves as 3.98 rating.

Just above them are pediatricians (4.01), obstetricians/gynecologists (4.02), pathologists (4.02), and psychiatrists (4.02).

How do you help in creating an atmosphere of happy patients, happy nurses, and happy doctors in the USA?