Physicians changing retirement plans

Slightly more than half of physicians have changed their retirement plans since the recession began, according to a new study by the staffing firm Jackson & Coker.

Of those who have changed their plans, 32% said they plan now to work locum tenens or part time, whereas 26% said they would keep up their current pace with their present employers. Nineteen percent said they would move to another permanent position in the same field, and 19% plan to leave medicine and try something new.

Among the entire survey population, including those who have not changed their retirement plans, 25% said they will pursue locum tenens work after retiring, 21% expect to continue at their current pace with their present employer, 16% will look for another permanent position in their field, and 14% will leave medicine and try something new.

Thirty percent of those surveyed said the downturn has not caused them to alter their retirement plans.