Trauma and surgical critical care workforce in the United States: a severe surgeon shortage appears imminent

Abstract

Background: We conducted a survey to determine the state of the trauma and critical care workforce and compensation for such surgeons.

Study design: We sent questionnaires to 460 directors of Level I and Level II trauma centers in the US to gather information about their current and expected resource needs and compensation packages.

Results: We received responses from 117 directors (25%). Midlevel faculty mean salary was $282,000 +/- $85,000; with a mean bonus of $33,000 +/- $34,000; and a mean trauma call stipend of $1,690 +/- $900. Mean of the yearly representative value units of work was 7,845 +/- 3,154. An average of 1.7 +/- 1.4 trauma surgeon positions per center are currently unfilled (mean vacancy duration of 19 +/- 20 months), with another 1.2 +/- 0.5 full-time equivalents expected to retire within 3 years. A mean of 0.9 +/- 0.9 additional positions are expected to be added within the next 3 years because of the growing workload. By 2012, the US might have 1,500 unfilled trauma surgeon positions (with 2,250 occupied).

Conclusions: Trauma and critical care surgeons in the US are clinically busy and well compensated for their efforts, but a severe shortage of surgeons in this specialty appears imminent.