Research has shown that, for example, if you’re an anaesthetist, you can expect a lifespan up to 10 years shorter than that of your colleagues in other fields, at just over 73 years. General Practitioners enjoy a lifespan of almost 79 years. Paediatricians and psychiatrists suffer earlier mortality (psychiatrists seem to fall victim to IHD, although the research doesn’t mention why), and apparently for each child you have (up to five children), you gain an extra year of life.
Research has shown that, for example, if you’re an anaesthetist, you can expect a lifespan up to 10 years shorter than that of your colleagues in other fields, at just over 73 years. General Practitioners enjoy a lifespan of almost 79 years. Paediatricians and psychiatrists suffer earlier mortality (psychiatrists seem to fall victim to IHD, although the research doesn’t mention why), and apparently for each child you have (up to five children), you gain an extra year of life.
Inexplicably, the benefits of having children don’t apply to paediatricians. Radiologists die at around 75 years, succumbing to conditions such as respiratory diseases or cancers, while OBGYNs live to about 82 years. Those who work in public health live the longest – up to almost 84 years.
Of course, this isn’t a crystal ball and these figures aren’t set in concrete. While some might argue that radiologists, with their potentially high exposures to radiation, can’t avoid the job’s hazards the same can’t always be said for paediatricians, for example; what are their risks and how can you avoid them? Without knowing, you can’t. And if they said that psychiatrists are at risk of dying from ischaemic heart disease, as a psychiatrist you may want to keep an eye on your weight, cholesterol levels and blood pressure. You may just be the one who bucks the trend and lives to 100.
Some reasons might be the lifestyle of the fields researched – psychiatrists, for example, have a healthy income and that might lend itself to a diet as rich as their bank balance, perhaps. Or the stress they’re under could lead to high blood pressure, exacerbating existing heart disease. Paediatricians might similarly be under a lot of stress with what they see on the job, and if having children at home isn’t protective against an early death then it could be seen to compound that stress instead.
Perhaps you’ve just discovered that your chosen field won’t necessarily allow you to have a long and happy life. If this is the case (or even if it’s not, and you’re simply looking for a change of pace and scenery) speak with us here at HealthStaff Recruitment. We can assist you with everything you’ll need in order to move to Australia and find suitable employment in your specialty. From opening a bank account to filling in your resume, allow our dedicated and friendly staff to work with you and start your new, long life down under.
In the meantime, please feel free to refer to our doctor jobs in Australia. We have a variety of opportunities available in Australia’s leading hospitals and practices.