Volunteerism among surgeons: an exploration of attitudes and barriers.
BACKGROUND
In a recent survey, the American College of Surgeons found great interest in surgically related volunteerism, but it was unclear if the interest reflected participation. The purpose of the current study was to explore attitudes and barriers to volunteering.


METHODS
To assess surgeons' experiences and beliefs about volunteerism, we mailed a questionnaire to Nathan A. Womack Society members. We analyzed respondents' demographics and attitudes, and associations between physician characteristics and volunteer status.


RESULTS
The response rate was 42.5%. More than half (56%) of respondents volunteered surgical skills at least once, and 48% actively volunteer a mean of 9 days per year. Full-time practicing status was associated with being an active volunteer (57.8% vs 17.2% not full-time, P <.001). Modifiable barriers were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Many different kinds of surgeons volunteer their surgical skills, reflecting the interest found by the College. Knowledge of barriers can be used to develop strategies to help interested surgeons pursue volunteer interests.
School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. mcginig@unch.unc.edu
Katharine L
KL
McGinigle
Peter M
PM
Milano
Preston B
PB
Rich
Anthony J
AJ
Viera
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014838:Volunteers / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*