About one-quarter of orthopedists reported an increase in their overall happiness year-over-year, according to a new report from Medscape.
The report, “Following Their Own Advice? Medscape Orthopedist Mental Health & Well-Being Report 2026,” published Aug. 21, surveyed 5,159 full-time physicians practicing in the U.S., and was broken down by specialty.
Here are 17 things to know from the report:
- Across happiness, work-life balance, family relationships and friendships, at least 40% of orthopedic surgeons reported no change from three years ago.
- More than 80% of orthopedists said their friendships have stayed the same or gotten worse over the past three years. Overall, 84% of physicians reported that their friendships had stayed the same or worsened.
- More than half of orthopedists said that their own health and wellness is “important,” but 31% said they don’t give their own health enough attention.
- About three-quarters of orthopedic surgeons said they believe happiness and work-life balance are achievable goals, while 8% said that work-life balance is not attainable.
- Eighty percent of orthopedists said that it is possible to be a happy, well-balanced person as a practitioner in their specialty, ranking 12th out of 29 specialties.
- More than half of orthopedic surgeons reported symptoms of burnout, depression or both.
- About one-quarter of orthopedists reported having no religious or spiritual belief, a slight increase from 21% three years earlier.
- Fifty-five percent of orthopedic surgeons said they’d take a pay cut for better work-life balance or more free time.
- Sixty percent of orthopedists said they do not consistently get a good night’s sleep.
- More than three-quarters of orthopedists said that hobbies and outside interests are “important” or “very important” for relaxation and mental well-being, down from 83% in the last report.
- About half of orthopedic surgeons (46%) said they’re trying to spend less time online.
- Eighty-seven percent of orthopedists described their marriage as “good” or “very good.”
- More than nine out of 10 orthopedists said that vacation time is “very” or “somewhat” important to their happiness and mental health.
- Nearly all (95%) of orthopedists said family and personal time is “very” or “somewhat” important, yet about 90% of those with children under 21 felt their kids needed more of their time and attention.
- Nearly 20% of orthopedic surgeons said they do not drink alcohol, and 22% have less than one drink per week. Of the orthopedists who do drink, 16% said that cutting back is a priority.
- Fewer than 10% of orthopedists said they do not exercise, with the majority of exercising between two and six times per week.
- Nine out of 10 orthopedists evaluated their diet as “very” or “somewhat” healthy.
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