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Assessing the plastic surgery workforce: a template for the future of plastic surgery
Rod J Rohrich1, Mary H McGrath, W Thomas Lawrence
1Dallas, Texas; San Francisco, Calif.; and Kansas City, Kan. From the Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California San Francisco Medical Center; and the Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center.
A growing demand for plastic surgery, coupled with retiring surgeons and stagnant training, will cause a significant physician shortage within 15 years. Increasing training positions is crucial to meet future patient needs.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery Workforce Analysis
- Surgical Workforce Planning
- Healthcare Demographics
Background:
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) established a task force to assess the current plastic surgery workforce and forecast future needs.
- Surveys were designed to understand demand for procedures, practice patterns, and future plans of plastic surgeons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the current size and demographics of the plastic surgery workforce.
- To project future demand for plastic surgery procedures and physician supply.
- To inform recommendations for addressing potential workforce shortages.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 2500 randomly selected ASPS members in the U.S. (43.5% response rate).
- Supplementary surveys were sent to academic chairs (71.8% response rate) and graduating residents (35.5% response rate).
Main Results:
- Demographic data on the current plastic surgery workforce was collected.
- Insights into practice composition and procedural demand trends were obtained.
Conclusions:
- Population growth and surgeon retirements will outpace the supply of trained plastic surgeons.
- Without an increase in residency training positions, a significant shortage is projected within 10-15 years.
- Proactive measures are needed to ensure adequate physician supply for future demand.
