Maintaining longevity and fulfillment in academic surgery

Academic surgery is a demanding and multifaceted career that places sustained pressure on clinical performance, scholarly productivity, administrative service, and personal resilience. While the risk of burnout is high, some surgeons achieve long-term fulfillment and professional longevity through intentional strategies. This was a panel discussion with trauma surgeon participants from all career stages that was held at the 2025 annual American College of Surgeons Point Counterpoint conference to discuss how to lead a long and fulfilling career in academic surgery. This manuscript reflects and expands on key themes from that discussion, and while there are no universal guidelines, it will highlight several strategies to foster longevity and fulfillment in an academic career.