Physicians in the U.S. and Canada have several similarities when it comes to prioritizing happiness, mental health, exercise and work-life balance, according to Medscape’s 2025 “Canada: Wellness & Life Outside of Work Report,” and “‘If Boundaries Are Set, It Is Possible’: Medscape Physician Mental Health & Well-Being Report 2025,” both published in 2025.
Here are eight key comparisons between U.S. and Canadian physicians:
1. While 29% of U.S. physicians report feeling burned out, and an additional 6% report feeling depressed, just 12% of Canadian physicians rate their mental health as poor or very poor.
2. While 29% of U.S. physicians report feeling burned out, and an additional 6% report feeling depressed, 24% of Canadian physicians report feeling burned out, while an additional 3% report feeling depressed. Around 11% of Canadian physicians are both burned out and depressed.
3. Mental health maintenance is either a priority or top priority for 61% of Canadian physicians, compared to 71% of U.S. physicians.
4. Nearly half of U.S. physicians (44%) take three to four weeks of vacation per year, while 78% of Canadian physicians take three weeks or more.
5. Outside hobbies are very important to 58% of U.S. physicians and 90% of Canadian physicians.
6. Gaining more personal and family time is either very or somewhat important to 97% of Canadian physicians, compared to 97% of U.S. physicians.
7. A majority of U.S. physicians (63%) would take a pay cut for better work-life balance, compared to just 48% of Canadian physicians.
8. While around 43% of U.S. physicians are trying to cut back on their time online, 79% of Canadian physicians are trying to cut back.
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