Trends in the general surgery workforce

While the US population continues to grow, the number of graduating general surgery (GS) residents has remained static. The changing nature of the workforce, preference for a controllable lifestyle, increasing workload due to an aging population, and declining work hours represent a challenge to maintaining an adequate GS workforce. Furthermore, only 20-25% of board-certified general surgeons are carrying out the full range of GS procedures. Flexible working hours, taking advantage of retirees and part-time surgeons, funding of additional residency positions through a public-private partnership, loan forgiveness, and easier visa access for international medical graduates choosing GS offer some potential solutions.