What Are the Divorce Rates among Medical Professionals?

It is no secret, medical professionals have a tough job. In fact, many people may assume that between the long hours and the high-pressure environment, the divorce rate among medical practitioners would be higher than average. However, a study published in The BMJ (previously The British Medical Journal) has found that the opposite may actually be true. Researchers concluded that pharmacists and medical doctors have a lower divorce rate than other professionals, including those in the healthcare industry.

Researchers looked at around 250,000 medical workers (including physicians, dentists, and pharmacists) as well as approximately 59,000 non-health care professionals such as lawyers. To draw its conclusions, the study looked at big data such as years of census information alongside sources such as the American Community Survey, which asked doctors to respond to questions about divorce. Among every group analyzed by researchers, only pharmacists had a lower divorce rate than medical doctors.

How do the numbers break down? (Likelihood of divorce)

1. Pharmacists: 23%
2. Physicians: 24%
3. Dentists: 25%
4. Lawyers: 27%
5. Health-care executives: 31%

The study also found that the rate of divorce differed for both male and female physicians. For example, female doctors who worked for long hours had a greater chance of divorce than their male counterparts with similar rigorous schedules. This suggests that uncovering a direct relationship between a person’s profession and the corresponding divorce rate may not be simple and is likely a combination of multiple factors. For more information on this study, visit the BMJ’s website here.

Do You Have Questions about Your Divorce? Call

While doctors may have a lower rate of divorce than others, the truth is that a marriage can break down regardless of a person’s chosen profession. If you are currently going through a divorce, do not hesitate to contact Catherine W. Real, P.A. Whether you are facing a dispute regarding alimony, child support, or are looking to protect your assets, the firm’s Tampa divorce lawyer can bring more than 35 years of experience to your case.

Are you ready to get started? Request a consultation with Attorney Catherine Real today and discover your legal options.