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Quality of Life and Working Conditions of Plastic Surgeons and Trainees: A National Survey
Léna G Dietrich1, Michael J Deml2, Laura De Pellegrin1
1Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Inselspital University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.
Background:
While the well-being and working conditions of healthcare professionals are increasingly scrutinized, there remains a critical research gap regarding the quality of life and job satisfaction of plastic surgeons in Switzerland. No prior national study has systematically examined these aspects within this specialty.
Objective:
This study aims to address this gap by evaluating workload, career satisfaction, and quality of life among Swiss plastic surgeons and trainees, thereby providing evidence to inform systemic improvements in the profession.
Methods:
A national, multilingual online survey was distributed to all members of the Swiss Society for Plastic Surgery and the Association of Young Plastic Surgeons. A total of 102 plastic surgeons responded (response rate: 22.7%). The survey assessed contractual versus actual working hours, work performed during personal time, mental health indicators (e.g., burnout), and career satisfaction. Descriptive and correlational analyses were conducted.
Results:
The respondents reported an average of 58 actual versus 49 contractual working hours per week, with an additional 8.1 h spent working during leisure time. Burnout symptoms were present in 29%, and 63% experienced work-related stress during their free time. While 42% wished to reduce their workload, 88.7% would still choose the profession again. Career satisfaction averaged 3.66/5, although 35% rated their salary as inadequate. Notably, 79.8% reported work negatively affecting private relationships, despite 82.65% feeling supported by their environment.
Conclusion:
This first nationwide assessment highlights the high workload and psychological strain faced by Swiss plastic surgeons. Key priorities include targeted burnout prevention, structural workload reduction, enhanced support for work-life integration (especially among women and younger surgeons), and improved compensation. These measures are essential to sustain the well-being of practitioners and ensure long-term quality in surgical care.
