The future of general surgery.
The origin of the term "general surgery" is uncertain, but it is known that it has been in the lexicon of surgical parlance for more than a century. Although specialization began at least 150 years ago, it became a major trend at the end of World War I. The potential fragmentation of the specialty is the most significant problem currently faced by general surgeons. Other areas affecting the future of general surgery are discussed, including residency requirements, manpower analyses, and physician reimbursement. Because of rapid technologic changes and the aging of the population, surgeons need to incorporate those features that will improve patient care into their practices to meet the needs of the future.
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Cora and Webb Mading Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.
D005251:Fees, Medical; D005544:Forecasting; D013502:General Surgery / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000639:trends*; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce