A 25-year single institution analysis of health, practice, and fate of general surgeons. Ann Surg 2005 Oct;242(4):520-6; discussion 526-9
Date
09/30/2005Pubmed ID
16192812Pubmed Central ID
PMC1402353DOI
10.1097/01.sla.0000184223.76854.29Scopus ID
2-s2.0-26444521723 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 62 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze nearly 3 decades of surgical residents from an established training program to carefully define individual outcomes on personal and professional health and practice satisfaction.
SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: A paucity of data exists regarding the health and related practice issues of surgeons post-residency training. Despite several studies examining surgeon burnout and alcohol dependency problems, there have been no detailed reports defining health problems in practicing surgeons or preventive health patterns in this physician population. Important practice factors, including family and practice stress, that may impact on surgical career longevity and satisfaction have similarly received minimal focused examination.
METHODS: All former surgery residents at the University of Wisconsin from 1978 to 2002 were contacted. Detailed direct interview or phone contact was made to ensure confidentiality and to obtain reliable data. Interviews concentrated on serious health and practice issues since residency completion.
RESULTS: One hundred ten of 114 (97%) former residents were contacted. There were 100 males and 14 females with 2 deaths (accident, suicide). Including deaths and those lost to follow up, 15 (13.2%) were non-practicing; 5 voluntarily (3 planned, 1 accident, 1 arthritis) and 4 involuntarily (alcohol/substance dependency). Eighty-nine percent were married or remarried with a 21.4% divorce rate post-residency. Major health issues occurred in 32% of all surveyed and in 50% of those ages > or =50. Only 10% reported complete lack of weekly exercise activity with 62% exercising at least 3 times per week. Body mass index increased from 23.9 +/- 1.5 kg/m (age <40) to 26.6 +/- 3.0 kg/m (P = 0.009) by age > or =50. Alcohol dependency was confirmed in 7.3%. Overall, 75% of surgeons surveyed were satisfied with their practice/career.
CONCLUSION: Despite a high job satisfaction rate, surgeon health may be compromised in up to 50% by age > or =50, with a 20% voluntary or involuntary retirement rate. Alcohol dependency occurred in up to 7.3% of surgeons, which contributed to the practice attrition rate. The success and length of a career in surgery is defined by post-residency factors rarely examined during training and include major and minor health issues, preventive health patterns/exercise, alcohol use or dependency, family life, and practice satisfaction. Surgeons mentoring during the course of surgical training should be improved to inform of important health and practice issues and consequences.
Author List
Harms BA, Heise CP, Gould JC, Starling JRAuthor
Jon Gould MD Chief, Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAttitude of Health Personnel
Burnout, Professional
Female
Follow-Up Studies
General Surgery
Humans
Internship and Residency
Job Satisfaction
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Health
Personal Satisfaction
Physician Impairment
Physicians
Retrospective Studies
Surveys and Questionnaires
Wisconsin
