By JAMA Surgery (Research Letter)

JULY 30, 2025

About The Study:

Although nonsurgeon physicians have lower mortality rates than other highly educated professionals, this mortality benefit does not extend to surgeons. Because surgeons and nonsurgeon physicians have similar levels of health care knowledge and resources, higher mortality rates among surgeons might reflect differences related to work environment, professional demands, and lifestyle. The results of this study indicate that several causes of death (e.g., motor vehicle collisions), disproportionately affect surgeons, aligning with evidence that hazardous driving events associated with extended work hours are especially pronounced among surgeons.

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Citations

Patel VR, Stearns SA, Liu M, Tsai TC, Jena AB. Mortality Among Surgeons in the United States. JAMA Surg. Published online July 30, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2025.2482

SOURCE: EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: 11 A.M. (ET), WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2025