Are We Headed for a Shortage of Burn Surgeons?

Newly trained burn surgeons are in high demand but low supply. The purpose of this study was to quantitate the current need for burn surgeons and to identify the need in the future. A questionnaire was sent to the 159 burn care facilities in North America listed in the 1999 to 2000 American Burn Association Directory. Of the 159 centers, 9 surveys were returned stating the center did not exist. Eighty-four (56%) of the remaining 150 centers responded. Twenty-nine percent of responding burn centers are currently attempting to recruit another burn surgeon, and an additional 38% anticipate needing to recruit one within the next 5 years. Of these, 89% anticipate difficulty finding another burn surgeon. This survey identifies a need for burn surgeons now and warns of a severe shortage in the immediate future. Current burn surgeons need to ensure that any interested trainee be mentored appropriately toward a career in burn surgery.