Study dispels orthopedic surgeon turnover myth

Editor's Note

A recent study challenges the claim that 50% of orthopedic surgeons leave their first job within two years, finding that only 5.7% of surgeons actually switch practices during that period, according to an October 10 report in Healio.

The study, published by orthopedic researchers, analyzed data from 3,784 orthopedic surgeons collected prior to their American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part II exam between 2007-2009 and 2017-2019. Findings show that 6% of surgeons changed practice locations before taking the exam, and 5.7% left their first practice within two years.

Surgeons who followed a nontraditional application timeline—such as those completing multiple fellowships—were more likely to leave their first position (20.5%) compared with those on a traditional timeline (1.3%), Healio reports. Nontraditional candidates also moved more often and farther distances (500.1 miles vs. 304.4 miles) between practices.

 “This information can help graduating orthopedic surgeons (and their families), practice managers and leaders within our field establish short-term expectations, as well as encourage those interested in early career turnover rates among orthopedic surgeons, to reference objective data,” the authors conclude.