Surgeons Outside of Cities: Longitudinal Trends in the Surgical Workforce of Rural Australia From 2013 to 2022

Abstract

Objective

To examine differences and changes in workplace and demographic factors between metropolitan and rural surgeons in Australia over 10 years.

Methods

A retrospective study which analysed data from the Health Workforce Dataset Online Data Tool, based on annual registration data from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) spanning 2013–2022. The dataset includes information on all surgeons who have completed their training and are registered as fellows with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and who were working in Australia during the study period. The factors analysed included mean hours worked per week, gender, age, and origin of qualification. Regions of work were defined using the Modified Monash Model (MM) model.

Results

During the study period, the number of surgical fellows in Australia increased from 4568 to 5724, with a notable increase in the proportion working in metropolitan regions. On average, these surgeons worked 45 h per week across most regions. The percentage of female surgeons rose from 9.6% to 15.4% in metropolitan regions and from 6.9% to 12.4% in rural regions. Surgeons working in rural regions tended to be older. However, there has been an increase in the number of surgeons aged 35–44 working in these areas. Additionally, sub-specialties other than general surgery were rarely found in rural areas.

Conclusion

While the number of surgeons in Australia has increased, there is a disproportionate shortfall of surgeons practising in rural areas.