Tips offered to docs, spouses for maintaining happy marriage

(HealthDay)—Simple tips can help physicians and their spouses maintain marital happiness, according to an article published in the American Medical Association (AMA) Alliance magazine Physician Family.

Noting that familial well-being may be sidelined by professional pressures, researchers from the Center for Physician Resilience in Davidson, N.C., provide tips for maintaining a happy and healthy home life.

According to the report, a physician's spouse should be honored for his or her roles and contributions and not feel like "just a physician's spouse." Family rituals, such as family meals, should be protected, even if someone is working; simple routines and traditions can have a positive impact on the morale and well-being of a family. Finally, marriage is not a "suffering contest;" respect that each partner has significant stress, and be kind to one another and to oneself.

"Personal satisfaction can contribute to professional satisfaction, so maintaining a happy and healthy home life is essential for physicians," according to an AMA news release.