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General surgeons are necessary everywhere.
But the supply of doctors cannot match demand.
And fewer doctors are specializing in surgery.
Especially hard hit are the south and middle of the country.
Fewer general surgeons also means more appendix explosions.
Why is this madness happening?
Modern doctors prefer "lifestyle specialties."
But general surgery is really hard and time-consuming.
And reimbursement for surgery is declining.
And the cost of malpractice insurance and the number of malpractice lawsuits are going up.
So, who would be crazy enough to be a general surgeon...
Some doctors feel called to specialize in general surgery.
And trauma and intensive care surgeons are adding more general surgery to their practices.
But what we really need are more medical school graduates.
And better reasons for doctors to specialize in surgery.
So, is the motivation for learning surgery just about money?
Most surgeons report that forming bonds with patients and getting to make a difference are their main motivators.
So, next time you meet a general surgeon, say "thank you" for hanging tough during the surgeon shortage.
And give him or her a well-deserved hug.
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