In many people's minds, doctors are often seen as a kind of "infinite resource"—always available, tireless, and capable of working endlessly without the need to eat, sleep, or take a break. A question on Zhihu asked, "How terrifying is it for doctors to work overtime?" One response shared, "For surgeons, working an on-call shift and then continuing to perform scheduled surgeries the next day feels like running a marathon and then adding another 20 kilometers. It’s exhausting, especially with complex surgeries that can last late into the night."
Given the extreme physical and mental strain doctors face, coffee has become a must-have for many in the medical field. The primary reason doctors drink coffee is to combat fatigue from long working hours, especially during night shifts or to maintain focus during intense periods of work.
In addition to boosting energy, coffee can enhance cognitive performance. A study published in Annals of Surgery found that surgeons who drank coffee showed faster reactions during surgeries and completed procedures more quickly.
Doctors have different preferences when it comes to coffee. A 2015 study by Swiss scientists, published in BMJ, explored this interesting question and found notable differences in coffee consumption among various specialties. Surgeons drank significantly more coffee than internists—almost twice as much! Anesthesiologists were found to consume the least coffee. On average, plastic surgeons drank the most coffee, followed by radiologists and general surgeons. This could be because Swiss plastic surgeons embrace a "work hard, play hard, drink hard" mentality, and they often buy coffee in the cafeteria to pass the time during their relatively more flexible schedules.
Interestingly, there were also differences based on gender. Male doctors were more likely to prefer espresso, while female doctors favored cappuccinos. The researchers suggested that these gender differences might be influenced by marketing, which often associates men with strong espresso and women with casual cappuccinos in social settings.
What was perhaps most surprising was the discovery that senior doctors (those with more experience) tended to drink more coffee. This could be a way for them to combat fatigue and the effects of aging, helping them keep up with younger colleagues. Furthermore, senior doctors often have larger social networks, and their coffee consumption may reflect social rituals, such as treating colleagues to coffee.
In China, doctors also have a strong affinity for coffee. Many hospitals have partnered with coffee shops to offer coffee within their facilities. A notable example is the "Double City Café" at Zhejiang University’s Fourth Hospital. A few years ago, the hospital renovated an unused terrace on the 4th floor into a café. This space provides doctors and nurses with a place to relax and unwind, where they can share the highs and lows of their work. The café also serves as a private space for doctors to discuss professional matters away from public eyes.
It seems that coffee has become not only a personal preference but also a social activity that has been supported by healthcare institutions.
Tea has been a staple in Chinese culture for thousands of years, and like most people in China, doctors also enjoy drinking tea. The question arises: in a country known for its tea culture, do Chinese doctors prefer tea or coffee?
Psychologists and sociologists have long debated this topic. Commonly held beliefs suggest that tea drinkers tend to be more traditional, seeking a peaceful and simple life, while coffee drinkers are seen as more innovative and adaptive to a fast-paced lifestyle. Tea drinkers are thought to enjoy early mornings, while coffee drinkers often stay up late. Tea drinkers are also thought to be more persistent, while coffee drinkers may exhibit traits such as higher levels of introversion and neuroticism.
Scientific studies have provided insight into why some people prefer coffee over tea or vice versa. A study published in Scientific Reports found that an individual's sensitivity to bitter flavors is genetically determined, and this can influence their preferences for coffee, tea, or alcohol. The researchers used genetic data from over 400,000 participants to analyze how variations in genes related to bitter taste receptors (such as PROP, quinine, and caffeine) affect consumption patterns.
The study showed that individuals with more caffeine taste receptors are more likely to drink large amounts of coffee (more than four cups a day). Every additional caffeine-related gene receptor increased the likelihood of a person drinking coffee by 20%. People who are more sensitive to the bitter taste of caffeine also tend to drink more coffee and less tea.
In contrast, tea drinkers tend to have more receptors related to quinine/PROP bitterness, and for each additional receptor, the likelihood of drinking more tea increases by 4% to 9%.
These findings suggest that our preferences for coffee, tea, and even alcohol are genetically influenced, rather than being simply a matter of profession or personality traits.
For doctors in China, the decision to drink coffee or tea often depends on their work environment. Compared to healthcare professionals abroad, Chinese doctors face immense pressure and long working hours. The fast-paced, high-intensity nature of their jobs often leads younger doctors to opt for the quickest and easiest option—instant coffee.
On the other hand, for senior doctors, the choice might be more influenced by cultural tradition. After a long day, a cup of traditional tea, such as Pu'er, might be the most appealing drink in the office during late-night shifts.
So, whether it's coffee or tea, each doctor’s drink of choice depends on a mix of factors, from work demands to personal preferences and even genetic makeup. And as you sit down to write your medical notes, do you reach for coffee or tea?
