Approximately 5.7% of orthopedic surgeons leave their first practice within two years, according to an Oct. 10 report from Helio based on a study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. The finding contradicts prevailing opinion that "50%" leave their first practice within that time frame, according to the report.
The report surveyed 3,784 practicing orthopedic surgeons and looked at whether they followed a traditional or nontraditional application timeline.
Surgeons on a nontraditional timeline left their first practice at higher rates (20.5% versus 1.3%), changed practices more often (1.5 moves versus 1.2 moves) and moved farther (500.1 miles versus 304.4 miles) compared with surgeons on a traditional timeline, according to the report.
"This information can help graduating orthopedic surgeons (and their families), practice managers and leaders within our field establish short-term expectations, as well as encourage those interested in early career turnover rates among orthopedic surgeons, to reference objective data," Jonathan McKeeman, MD, the study's leader, wrote in the report.