Young surgeons' attitudes regarding surgery and professional organizations

Background: Attitudes of young surgeons regarding professional organizations are unclear. We surveyed young surgeons to assess their opinions regarding the role of The American College of Surgeons in the future of surgery. Methods: A 21-question on-line survey was distributed to all young (age <45 years) ACS members. Questions were related to demographics, membership, educational, and health policy initiatives. Results: Among 2689 respondents, reimbursement and malpractice were the most important issues to surgeons at all levels of training. Organizational attributes of importance to young surgeons included leadership, educational tools, mentorship, and avenues to participate in organized medicine. They value programs to address patient safety, surgical quality, reimbursement, and health policy. Conclusions: Methods to recruit and retain young surgeons into medical organizations should include educational efforts, mentorship programs, practice-management courses, health policy reform, and opportunities for involvement in organizational activities.