PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Academy of Senior Surgeons Experiencing Transition
Backround
The transition from an active academic surgical career toward retirement is inevitable. For many surgeons it can be an exciting process that allows them to develop different interests, to pursue new activities, and to continue to contribute to society. Most surgeons who retire do not regret having done so.
In some cases, however, this transition can be problematic. Many surgeons have difficulty deciding when and how they should stop operating and caring for patients, and many experience more anxiety as they become more risk-aversive with age. Many feel a loss of relevance, as leadership positions are relinquished, research programs wind down, and clinical practice changes and ultimately ceases. Many surgeons during this process also feel unappreciated, and often, after decades of meaningful contribution, they leave the Department of Surgery completely, despite the wealth of experience and wisdom that could greatly benefit others who are at earlier stages of their career. In addition, many surgeons enter the years after surgical practice without adequate preparation and may suffer from financial pressures, boredom, loss of identity, or mental health issues.
The purpose of this group is twofold:
To develop guidelines that will help the Department of Surgery to prepare surgeons for the inevitable transition from active practice to retirement from practice.
To provide a forum for discussion, support, education, and camaraderie for surgeons who are undergoing end-of-career transition.
