Assessment of Work and Life Satisfaction among Anesthesiologists: Institutional Versus Independent Practice Environments

Background: Anesthesiologists face long hours, heavy workload and limited recognition. Indian data comparing their satisfaction across institutional and independent practice are scarce. Aims and Objective: To assess work and life satisfaction among anesthesiologists and compare it between institutional and independent practice. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional online survey (27 April 2024–March 2025), 546 anesthesiologists completed a self-developed, content-validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.86) on working pattern, work satisfaction, income, family life and health behaviours. Comparisons of exclusive institutional (n = 131) and independent (n = 109) practice were exploratory; reported P-values are unadjusted for multiple testing. Results: Overall, 51.8% were satisfied with their work environment and 63.5% with their quality of life, while 38.1% felt adequately compensated and 30.6% found their workload unmanageable. High workload (37.4%) and limited professional growth (28.0%) were the leading challenges. Among the 240 respondents in exclusive institutional or independent practice, 137 (57.1%) would consider switching setting. Unadjusted comparisons suggested differences in workload manageability (54.2% vs 40.4%; P = 0.033), perceived work–life balance (84.7% vs 72.5%; P = 0.020), and work interference with family time (51.1% vs 33.9%; P = 0.007). These findings are exploratory. Conclusion: Concerns about remuneration, workload and professional growth were common. Most measures were similar across the two exclusive practice groups; apparent differences in three measures require confirmation in a prespecified, adequately powered comparison.