Clinical orthopaedics and related research
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Feb 2009
The problem of the aging surgeon: when surgeon age becomes a surgical risk factor.
The question of when a surgeon should retire has been the subject of debate for decades. Both anecdotal evidence and objective testing of surgeons suggest age causes deterioration in physical and cognitive performance. ⋯ Research also shows surgeons are reluctant to plan for retirement. Although there is no federally mandated retirement age for surgeons in the United States, surgeons must realize their skills will decline, a properly planned retirement can be satisfying, and the retired surgeon has much to offer the medical and teaching community.