A study carried out by the Mayo Clinic, of internal and external factors that keep physicians motivated and prevent burnout shows that having a personal sense of calling or a deep commitment to medicine is a key factor in physicians’ well-being. The study also found that extrinsic incentives, such as increased salary, are less meaningful. According to lead researcher, Audiey C. Kao, MD PhD, “If the practice of medicine is not seen as work that is personally rewarding and serving a greater good, physician performance may suffer and, more importantly, so too may the quality of care that patients receive.”