Reform, malpractice sour younger doctors' outlook

Young physicians think the outlook for their chosen profession is bleak, according to a recent survey by the Physicians Foundation, a nonprofit organization that advocates for doctors.

The survey found that 57% of physicians aged 40 or fewer years said they were pessimistic about the future of the U.S. healthcare system. Many blame the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with more than twice as many respondents (49%) thinking the law will hurt their practices as think it will help (23%). They complained also about malpractice insurance premiums and increased regulations.

In addition, only 35% called themselves "highly satisfied" with their current practice arrangements.