Surgeon as advocate: A widening lane

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Surgical Practice
• Health Policy

Background:

• Traditional surgeon advocacy focuses narrowly on surgical practice issues like payment reform and regulations.
• Global shifts and societal challenges necessitate a broader scope for surgeon advocacy.
• Current surgical training lacks structured support and incentives for advocacy as a career path.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the expanded role of surgeons in advocacy beyond the operating room.
• To emphasize the need for integrating advocacy into surgical training and career development.
• To advocate for systemic support and recognition of surgeon-advocacy.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the evolving role of surgeons in public health and policy.
• Review of current surgical training structures and advocacy integration.
• Discussion of potential frameworks for mentorship and curriculum development in surgical advocacy.

Main Results:

• Surgeons possess unique expertise to influence public discourse and inform stakeholders on social issues.
• Advocacy integration addresses the whole patient within their social context, crucial for contemporary surgical care.
• Lack of formal advocacy training pathways limits surgeon engagement in policy and societal change.

Conclusions:

• Integrating advocacy into surgical training is essential for equipping surgeons to address complex societal challenges.
• Mentorship programs, curricula, and dedicated tracks can foster surgeon-advocates.
• Failure to prioritize advocacy in surgical careers risks diminishing surgeons' impact on equitable care and policy.