Factors That Influence Orthopaedic Surgeons to Change Practices: A Survey of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Members.

Abstract

An estimated 50% of orthopaedic surgeons change practices early in their careers, with recent data showing that approximately 6% make a transition within just two years. Currently, the factors that lead to orthopaedic surgeons changing jobs are not well understood. The purpose of this preliminary study was to analyze the self-reported factors that influence an orthopaedic surgeon's decision to change practices. Upon obtaining institutional review board exemption status, a 25-question unvalidated survey was created using Microsoft Forms. A total of 100 orthopaedic surgeons who are members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons were randomly selected to participate in this study. Consent was obtained through the survey, followed by questions related to demographics, including age, race, and sex, and region of practice. Respondents were asked to indicate the factors that played a role in their most recent change of practice. Descriptive statistical analysis was then conducted. In total, 27 participants completed our survey (response rate = 27%). Among them, 17 (63.0%) had changed practices at least once. The most frequently reported factors that influenced their decision to change practices included compensation (12, 70.6%), work flexibility (10, 58.8%), cost of living (5, 29.4%), and proximity to friends and family (4, 23.5%). Those who did not change practices (n = 10) were asked to convey the factors that contributed to their decision to remain at their current practice. Those factors included proximity to friends and family (6, 60%), work flexibility (5, 50%), and compensation (4, 40%). In this preliminary study, compensation and work flexibility were the most important factors that orthopaedic surgeons considered when deciding to change practices. Such information may provide trainees with greater insight into what they might need to consider when pursuing jobs. Hospitals and administrators may also choose to emphasize such factors, thereby encouraging greater surgeon recruitment and retention.