The new study points to high malpractice payouts -- and low adjusted physician compensation - in RI. A new study has ranked Rhode Island as the fifth-worst state for doctors. In contrast, Massachusetts ranks 9th overall and is tops in New England. Two other New England states made the top 20, New Hampshire ranks #15, and Maine #18.GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST For the list, Medscape compiled data from multiple sources between March 10 and 12, including its own reports on physician compensation; physician depression and/or burnout; and lifestyle ...