Which Type of Doctor Is the Happiest?

Ever wondered about the lives of the people who ask you to stick out your tongue and say “ahhh”? The newly-released Medscape/WebMD’s 2012 Physician Lifestyle Report could provide some insights.

Earlier this year, about 29,000 doctors representing 25 specialties replied to an online poll about their opinions about their happiness, health, non-work activities and more. Consider it a peek behind the white coat, if you will.

Here’s just a sampling — see the entire report for more.

Happiest Doctors:

1. Rheumatologists

2. Dermatologists

3. Urologists

4. Ophthalmologists

5. Emergency medicine doctors.

Unhappiest Doctors:

1. Tie: neurologists, gastroenterologists and internal medicine doctors

2. Oncologists

3. General surgeons

4. Plastic surgeons

Healthiest Doctors:

1. Dermatologists

2. Plastic surgeons

3. Diabeticians/endocrinologists

4. Orthopedists

5. Cardiologists

Least Healthy Doctors:

1. Critical care doctors

2. Pediatricians

3. Obstetricians/gynecologists

4. Pathologists

5. Psychiatrists

Vacation Preferences:

1. Foreign Travel

2. Beach Vacations

3. Split along gender lines: male doctors like road trips, while female doctors enjoy luxury spas

Car Ownership:

1. Toyota

2. Honda

3. Lexus

4. BMW

5. Mercedes

[WebMD]