Clinical Report: Certain Surgical Specialties See Greater Attrition
Overview
A national longitudinal analysis revealed significant variation in surgeon attrition rates across specialties, with the highest rates in oral and maxillofacial surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and plastic and reconstructive surgery. Overall, nearly 10% of surgeons exited active clinical practice over the study period from 2013 to 2023.
Background
Understanding surgeon attrition is crucial as it impacts workforce dynamics. The study highlights the challenges faced by specific surgical specialties, particularly among mid-career surgeons.
Data Highlights
| Specialty | 5-Year Cumulative Attrition Rate | Average Annual Attrition Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | 25% | 7% |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology | 23% | 6% |
| Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | 19% | 5% |
| Orthopedic Surgery | 2.4% | 1.5% - 1.7% |
| Otolaryngology | 1.8% | 1.5% - 1.7% |
| Podiatry/Foot and Ankle Surgery | 3.1% | 1.5% - 1.7% |
| Vascular Surgery | 1.8% | 1.5% - 1.7% |
Key Findings
- 15,753 surgeons exited active clinical practice, resulting in a cumulative attrition rate of just under 10%.
- Annual attrition rates remained stable at approximately 1.5% to 1.7% from 2013 to 2018, peaking at 2.5% in 2019.
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery had the highest average annual attrition rate at 7%.
- Surgeons with 10 to 14 years in practice had 2.6 times the odds of attrition compared to those with 5 to 9 years.
- Attrition rates were similar among male and female surgeons, with the proportion of female surgeons increasing from 21% to 29% from 2013 to 2023.
- Surgeons practicing in rural areas declined from 11% to 8% over the study period.
Clinical Implications
The findings provide insights into attrition rates among surgeons in various specialties.
Conclusion
The study reports significant attrition rates among surgeons, particularly in certain specialties.
Related Resources & Content
- Elemosho A., Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 2026 -- Certain Surgical Specialties See Greater Attrition
- Influence of Surgical Specialty on Outcomes After Esophagectomy for Cancer, Surgical Endoscopy, 2023
- Determinants of Attrition and Performance During Surgical Residency: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis, BJS, 2020
- Advancing Surgical Research: Addressing Funding Disparities and Clinical Trial Imbalances, BJS
- Nearly 1 in 10 Surgeons Leave the Profession Within 8 Years | ACS
- American College of Surgeons Releases First-Ever Workplace Standards Framework | ACS
- conexiant — Scalpel, Sutures, and Separation Notices
- Nearly 1 in 10 Surgeons Leave the Profession Within 8 Years | ACS
- American College of Surgeons Releases First-Ever Workplace Standards Framework | ACS
- State of the U.S. Health Care Workforce, 2025
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.
