#None #Generation Z #ESPRAS #surgical workforce

A Disturbing Shift in the Surgical Workforce: Generation Z's Move Towards Private Aesthetic Practice

In a concerning new study released by the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS), insights reveal a troubling trend among Generation Z surgeons. Born between 1997 and 2012, this demographic, often referred to as 'digital natives', is making substantial changes in the surgical workforce, favoring aesthetic opportunities over reconstructive surgery practices.

This evolution in preference raises alarms about a potential labor shortage in public healthcare services. The study underscores that Generation Z, despite growing up in an era characterized by positive innovations—such as virtual reality simulations and AI diagnostic tools—has expressed a clear inclination towards private aesthetic practices.

The survey, conducted across Europe and the United States, engaged with both current and former leaders of various surgical societies to discuss the challenges and necessary structural changes to meet the influences from this emerging generation in surgery. One of the findings highlighted a tendency among these younger surgeons to favor reduced working hours, seek a better work-life balance, and slightly shift away from hierarchical mentoring models. Instead, they appear to prefer a more egalitarian and less formal relationship with both superiors and peers.

Such a transformation in working patterns could potentially bring about radical changes in current employment practices within the surgical fields, possibly impacting emergency response capabilities due to staff shortages.

On a positive note, the push from Generation Z also serves as a catalyst for revamping a system with often punitive work hours and conditions. Many advocate for improved resources and infrastructures and emphasize adopting a holistic approach to patient care, along with driving efficiency in practices and leadership within education and training.

According to Mark Henley, a plastic surgeon and president of ESPRAS, the shift initiated by Generation Z calls for a serious reevaluation of the surgical landscape, particularly focusing on workforce balance and well-being. He explained, “What this generation has taught us is that it’s time to reconsider our surgical environment by prioritizing the well-being of our workforce. These trends, which may seem alarming at first glance, are actually pleas for an urgent review that considers the balance between delivering comprehensive services to patients and supporting colleagues’ needs for a better work-life integration.”

By addressing these increasing needs, there is a greater likelihood of retaining surgical talent within reconstructive fields, thus averting a detrimental loss to the more lucrative aesthetic sector. Enhancing workplace environments to offer better balance and mentorship opportunities can lead to substantial benefits, including providing the highest quality of patient care.

About ESPRAS

The European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS) is committed to advancing surgical practice standards and improving patient care through innovation, education, and advocacy. For more information, visit espras.org.