Critical shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons coming

Editor's Note

By 2035, cardiothoracic surgeons will be responsible for more than 850,000 surgical patients, a 61% increase from 2010, according to this study presented May 17 at the annual meeting of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery in Baltimore.

Cases per surgeon per year in 2010 averaged 135 for nearly 4,000 surgeons. In 2035, the average caseload per surgeon will be 299 cases per year, an increase of 121%.

The researchers maintain that this is not feasible and a problem that must be addressed now to increase the number of surgeons trained and willing to increase their case volume in a time of value-based care.

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery is an international organization of over 1,300 of the world's foremost cardiothoracic surgeons representing 36 countries. Founded in 1917, its members have a proven record of distinction within the specialty and have made significant contributions to the care and treatment of cardiothoracic disease throughout the world.