I can't speak about the other fields, but don't go into surgery to avoid paperwork. Not only is complete and thorough documentation required, it will save your arse if and when you are sued.
Perhaps its a function of the "computer era" coinciding with the increased documentation requirements, but computers aren't cutting down on *my* paperwork. I thought I'd be faster, after all I can type pretty rapidly. But every institution and department has decided that since we have EMR/EHR, it won't hurt to add on just one little eensy weensy extra form for the doctors to fill out.
So, I now have to fill out a pre-op H&P update, type in post-op orders, print out prescriptions, dictate a post-op note, sign path request slips, type a post-op note, review discharge medications/discharge instructions/complete "Core Initiatives" paperwork, Tumor Staging Form and so on. It is true that much of it I did before the advent of the EMR but it was quicker because I wasn't opening up multiple screens, saving, printing, walking to the printer, etc and I could do it at the bedside while talking to the patient and their family. I have decided to blame my incipient renal stones on the inability to pee between cases because I just don't have time anymore. Forget about eating.
Oh, and I haven't included the office documentation which includes coding and billing, FMLA/disability paperwork, etc. Surgery isn't paperwork light (although it may be more so than some fields).
lol
