Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Retirement Among Canadian Otolaryngologists

IntroductionOtolaryngologists were among the physicians with the highest risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, and more than half of them reported anxiety and distress during the pandemic. Consequences of this experience on retirement plans among otolaryngologists are unknown. This study aimed to describe the effect of the pandemic on retirement plans among otolaryngologists.MethodsA cross-sectional survey assessed retirement plans of physicians in the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (CSOHNS) between May and June 2023. Participants were recruited through CSOHNS membership lists. Respondents shared demographic information and rated 4 pandemic-related factors and 13 independent factors on a 5-point Likert scale from least important to most important in influencing retirement.ResultsEighty-two members responded, of which 20 (24.4%) were females. All female participants were 65 or younger, whereas 25 (40.3%) males were 65 or older. Half of the participants were in academic practice; 39% reported no change to their anticipated retirement date prior to the pandemic, whereas 25% reported either earlier or later dates. A greater proportion of female otolaryngologists reported earlier dates of retirement than originally planned compared with males (40% vs 19.3%). The factors most commonly rated as "important" were the desire for time with loved ones (mean: 3.82, SD: 1.179), the desire to improve their quality of life (mean: 3.65, SD: 1.344), and increased workload (mean: 3.26, SD: 1.210). Significant differences were observed between genders and age groups (≤55 years vs >55 years) regarding increased workload, desire for improved quality of life, personal and loved ones' health concerns, pandemic-related concerns, psychological/emotional issues, and burnout (P < .05).ConclusionsPandemic-related factors play a limited role in retirement decisions made by otolaryngologists. More females reported earlier retirement dates after the pandemic, which may further exacerbate preexisting gender inequalities in the otolaryngology workforce.