Compensation Structures, Job Satisfaction, and Retention of Facial Plastic Surgeons in Academic Practices

Area of Science:

• Medical Economics
• Surgical Workforce Studies
• Academic Medicine

Background:

• The stability of the academic facial plastic surgeon workforce is crucial for training future surgeons and advancing the field.
• Understanding the impact of compensation models on workforce retention is essential for academic medical centers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze nationwide compensation models for facial plastic surgeons in academic settings.
• To evaluate the relationship between compensation structures and workforce stability in academic facial plastic surgery departments.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a 25-item electronic questionnaire.
• Responses were collected from members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery between July 2023 and January 2024.

Main Results:

• Of 59 respondents, 45 (76%) were employed by academic medical centers.
• Compensation models varied, including production-based relative value units (RVU), collections-based, salary, or hybrid approaches.
• Higher income satisfaction was linked to a lower likelihood of leaving academia (p=0.038), with 62% unlikely to leave within 5 years.

Conclusions:

• Competitive compensation structures are associated with increased job satisfaction and reduced intent to leave academic positions.
• This study enhances transparency regarding compensation for academic facial plastic surgeons.
• Financial factors significantly influence the retention of facial plastic surgeons in academic medicine.