Surgeon Licensure Gains Support, Trust Lags

Researchers examined public views on state laws permitting licensure of internationally trained surgeons.

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Nearly 95% of US adults support disclosing a surgeon's international training background as part of informed consent.
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85% of respondents supported state laws allowing internationally trained surgeons to practice without US residency training.
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Despite supporting licensure laws, 78% of participants would be less likely to choose an internationally trained surgeon for their own care.
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71% of respondents expressed ethical concerns about potential international brain drain from countries training surgeons.
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Political affiliation influenced perceptions, with 91% of male respondents supporting licensure laws compared to 77% of females.

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