View New Article on Rewards, Frustrations of Rural Surgery Practice

Although 60 million Americans live in rural areas—nearly 20% of the nation—only 10% of general surgeons in the US provide care for these individuals who are often older, less insured, and more chronically ill than the overall population. Together with access to care and socioeconomic issues, the need for rural surgeons is great—as are the potential of practicing in a small community, according to a new ACS practice management article and video.

In the article, Rewards and Frustrations of Rural Surgery Practice, authors Michael Sarap, MD, FACS, former Chair of the ACS Advisory Council for Rural Surgery, and Alisha D. Reiss, MD, FACS, President-Elect of the ACS Ohio Chapter, discuss the pros/cons of being a rural surgeon.

They explain how surgeons can positively affect the economic situation of their community, the expansive variety of procedures a rural surgeon will perform, and the personal benefits of a protected income, a moderated work/life balance compared with working in urban environments, and feeling of leadership and community that are inherent to the practice locale.

They also are candid about the immense challenges that rural surgeons face in addressing the health and surgery needs of their populations. Those challenges can create frustrations, including a potentially heavier burden of call and difficulties in training and retaining a workforce.