Objective: This study examined attitudes and practices with respect to retirement in a senior group of surgeons. The authors studied the extent of planning for retirement and factors that should determine withdrawal from performing operations.
Summary background data: Federal law prohibits mandatory retirement or withdrawal of operating privileges based on age. Some surgeons fail to recognize the effects of aging, which may place their patients and themselves at risk. There currently is no established method to deal with these issues until adverse outcomes occur.
Methods: A survey was returned from 75% (659/882) of the members of the American Surgical Association. Work load, level of planning for retirement, and methods to determine when one should cease performing operations were collected. Responses were coded and the data were analyzed. Additional subgroup analyses were conducted, stratified by age and level of operative activity.
Results: Less than 50% of respondents reported any retirement plan, and among those who did, 75% planned activities in medicine. The extent of planning varied by age. In the youngest group (40-50 years), only 6.5% had a plan versus 40% of those older than 70 years who were not retired already. With respect to withdrawal of privileges, the majority of those surveyed favored determination by peer review or onset of physical disability rather than age. The level of activity declined significantly between 60 and 70 years; however, 18% of those older than 70 years of age continued to perform operations.
Conclusions: Both personal and institutional problems can arise when surgeons continue to practice despite limitations of aging. More positive attitudes toward retirement are needed as well as methods for evaluation of performance that reflect a surgeon's response to aging.