To provide an integrated conceptual framework linking burnout, generational changes, and structural determinants to the emerging crisis of surgical vocation.
Approach:
Literature Review: A narrative review synthesizing literature on burnout, surgical vocation, workforce sustainability, generational change, and gender inequities in general surgery.
Key Findings:
There is a progressive decline in the attractiveness of general surgery among medical graduates, driven by generational shifts in expectations regarding work-life balance and professional sustainability.
Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, significantly impairing individual well-being and professional performance.
Burnout is recognized as a major public health concern within healthcare systems, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interpretation:
The review discusses the interplay between individual, organizational, and systemic factors contributing to the crisis of surgical vocation.
Limitations:
No formal risk-of-bias assessment was performed due to the narrative design of the review.
The review may not encompass all relevant studies, as it focused on specific inclusion criteria related to burnout, recruitment, retention, and gender disparities.
Conclusion:
The evolving dynamics in surgical training and practice necessitate a comprehensive understanding of factors influencing the future of general surgery.
