Shortage of General Surgeons in Rural Areas Expected Soon

A national study reveals significant aging among general surgeons, with 28.1% in rural areas aged 65 and older versus 20.2% in urban regions. This demographic shift suggests a looming shortage, as 60% of rural surgeons are set to retire within the next decade. The findings underscore the need for targeted efforts to recruit and retain younger surgeons in these communities to mitigate potential healthcare access issues resulting from this aging workforce.