Ideally, we’d like to see every doctor remain happily and gainfully engaged as a medical professional, but this isn’t a perfect world. Some will be better off finding something else to do with their lives.
Research and teaching may be a good option if you’re in an academic center. A number of physicians have sought public office and 17 congresspeople carried an MD or DO behind their name at last check.
There’s no sense going into retirement with ongoing financial obligations that require a steady income. You may very well have that income in the form of a pension, dividends, or other passive income.
The lifestyle changes that accompany retirement are not ignored. He made a scary declaration that the state of “caught up” doesn’t exist. But that’s why I want to retire! To get caught up!