Because surgical volunteerism has become an increasingly popular experience for surgeons, the 2022 ACS Leadership Survey inquired about interest and participation in volunteerism activities in leaders’ institutions.
The quantitative survey was distributed to ACS volunteer leaders, including members of the Advisory Councils, Board of Governors, and more than 20 additional ACS Committees in September 2022. A total of 470 responses were received for a response rate of 63%.
More than half of the respondents said that they have already been involved in surgical volunteerism, and 94% found it satisfying. 83% reported an experience of 2 weeks or less. 69% of respondents who had not participated in volunteerism efforts ranked extended time away as the primary barrier. Locations in the US and Africa have been the most popular for surgical volunteerism, and opportunities in the Caribbean and Central and South America also were identified.
Residency applicants are increasingly expressing an interest in surgical volunteerism as they choose surgery and specific training programs, but only 24% indicated that formal electives are offered by organizations/practices. An opportunity exists for ACS to further help incorporate surgical volunteerism into training programs and practices, especially if further data delineates its impact on increased resiliency and reduced burnout. Supporting time away for surgical volunteerism also could be a model for surgeons that may need to temporarily stop/start active practice, such as for health or family reasons.
The ACS’s Operation Giving Back (OGB) initiative is a valuable and well-known member resource, with only 27% of the respondents indicating they were unaware of the program. 40% of respondents who have not yet participated in OGB indicated they were interested in participating in the future.
You Can Make a Difference during National Volunteer Month
April is National Volunteer Month in the US, which recognizes individuals who offer their time and effort to causes that matter to them. The ACS can help surgeons pursue surgical volunteerism opportunities, both domestically and abroad.
OGB provides opportunities for individual surgeons to volunteer around the world, and offers organizations the opportunity to partner with the ACS for the greater good.
Recent editions of the Bulletin have highlighted stories about surgeons giving back. They include a feature about how surgical resident Aaron Epstein, MD, created a volunteer-based NGO to provide surgical and medical aid in response to humanitarian crises around the world, as well as how recipients of 2022 ACS/Pfizer Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards have given back to the global community.
