Physicians in the U.S. and the U.K. have several similarities when it comes to prioritizing happiness, mental health, exercise and work-life balance, according to Medscape’s 2025 “UK Wellness and Life Outside of Work Report” and “Physician Mental Health & Well-Being Report,” both published in 2025.
Here are seven key comparisons between U.S. and U.K. physicians:
1. Around 76% of U.S. physicians feel that work-life balance is at least attainable in their profession, even if they have not acquired it yet. By comparison, 67% of physicians in the U.K. are either very or somewhat happy with their work-life balance.
2. While 29% of U.S. physicians report feeling burned out, and an additional 6% report feeling depressed, just 13% of U.K. physicians rate their mental health as poor or very poor.
3. Mental health maintenance is either a priority or top priority for 58% of U.K. physicians, compared to 71% of U.S. physicians.
4. U.K.- and U.S.-based physicians work out for a similar amount of days every week, with 37% of U.K. physicians working out two to three times a week, compared to 33% of U.S. physicians.
5. Nearly half of U.S. physicians (44%) take three to four weeks of vacation per year, while 72% of U.K. physicians take three weeks or more.
6. Outside hobbies are very important to 58% of U.S. physicians and 61% of U.K. physicians.
7. Around 62% of U.K. physicians spend two to four hours per day on the internet for personal use, while around 43% of U.S. physicians are trying to cut back on their time online.
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