Surgeons in Mid-Career Most Likely to Exit Clinical Practice, Study Finds
Mid-career surgeons show highest likelihood of leaving clinical practice
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A study by researchers at The Ohio State University reveals that nearly 10% of surgeons left clinical practice within eight years, with mid-career surgeons (five to nine years of experience) showing the highest attrition rates. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted retention strategies, especially in high-risk subspecialties.
- 01The overall cumulative attrition rate for surgeons was 9.7% over eight years, with a notable increase in 2020 likely due to COVID-19 retirements.
- 02The highest attrition rates were found in oral and maxillofacial surgery (25.1%), obstetrics and gynecology (23.2%), and plastic and reconstructive surgery (19.3%).
- 03Orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, podiatry, and vascular surgery had the lowest attrition rates, ranging from 0.4% to 0.8%.
- 04The percentage of female surgeons increased from 21.2% in 2013 to 28.6% in 2023, while those practicing in rural areas decreased from 10.5% to 8.5%.
- 05The American College of Surgeons has initiated a national workplace standards framework aimed at improving surgeon well-being and workforce sustainability.
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A recent study conducted by researchers at The Ohio State University and published in the *Journal of the American College of Surgeons* reveals a concerning trend in surgical attrition, with nearly 10% of surgeons leaving clinical practice over an eight-year period. The study analyzed data from 224,629 surgeons across 19 specialties from 2013 to 2023, finding an overall cumulative attrition rate of 9.7%. Notably, mid-career surgeons, particularly those with five to nine years of experience, exhibited the highest likelihood of departure. Specific subspecialties faced alarming attrition rates, including 25.1% in oral and maxillofacial surgery and 23.2% in obstetrics and gynecology. In contrast, orthopedic surgery and otolaryngology demonstrated significantly lower attrition rates, below 1%. The study also highlighted demographic shifts, with the percentage of female surgeons rising from 21.2% to 28.6% over the decade, while the number of surgeons in rural areas declined. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted retention strategies to address the attrition crisis and support the surgical workforce.
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The attrition of surgeons could lead to a shortage of surgical care, impacting patient access to critical health services.
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