U.S. Faces Growing General Surgeon Shortage, Report Warns
Event summary
- The U.S. is projected to face a shortfall of 2,020 full-time equivalent (FTE) general surgeons in 2026, growing to 3,170 by 2031.
- Only 8.5% of general surgeons practice in rural areas, where 60 million people reside.
- 40 out of 48 states with rural hospitals have at least one that has stopped offering general surgery.
- 17.1% of hospitals report being unable to maintain 24/7 surgery coverage, with over half citing insufficient surgeon availability.
The big picture
The general surgeon shortage highlights broader challenges in healthcare workforce stability, particularly in rural areas. Medicus Healthcare Solutions, a major player in locum tenens and workforce solutions, positions itself to benefit from the growing demand for flexible staffing solutions. The report underscores the need for strategic workforce planning to address rising surgical demand and limited supply.
What we're watching
- Workforce Stability
- How healthcare organizations will adapt to the growing surgeon shortage and maintain surgical coverage.
- Rural Access
- Whether targeted incentives can attract more general surgeons to rural areas and improve access.
- Training Pipeline
- The pace at which medical schools and residency programs can expand to address the supply-demand imbalance.