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Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery in Canada: Workforce and Wait Times
Janet Edwards*, Alexsander Bressan, Elijah Dixon, Sean C. Grondin, Indraneel Datta, Chad G. Ball
Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
Background: The demographics and practice characteristics of physicians performing hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery across Canada are poorly characterized.
Methods: A questionnaire addressing these issues (developed using a modified Delphi process) was administered to all actively practicing Canadian HPB surgeons who were members of the Americas or Canadian HPB Associations (n = 52).
Results: 41 surgeons completed the survey (79% response rate). Their mean age was 50.0 (SD 10.5) years; 19% were older than 60 years. The average planned age of retirement was 65.0 (SD 6.4) years. Thirty-nine respondents (95%) were male. Only one respondent (3%) did not have fellowship training. Most (78%) had either an HPB or HPB/transplant fellowship and (68%) held an advanced degree (Masters or PhD). All had a medical school affiliation, with 96% practicing in university teaching hospitals and 95% conducting research. Ninety percent reported that non-HPB surgeons did not perform HPB cases in their institution. Only 17% of respondents worked fewer than 60 hours per week, and 21% worked more than 80 hours per week. Surgeons had a median 1.5 (SD 1.3) days of surgery per week with an average of 10% (SD 17.5) of HPB cases performed laparoscopically (excluding cholecystectomy). More than 69% of respondents reported being satisfied with their career. Nearly half (49%) felt that too many HPB surgeons are being trained and 30% advised trainees not to pursue HPB surgery due to perceived lack of jobs.
Conclusion: This survey characterizes Canadian HPB surgery workforce by providing demographic, job satisfaction and scope of practice information.
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