Abstract
Introduction
There has been a growing shortage of physicians in Germany in recent years. In this
study, we analyse the situation facing orthopaedic hospitals and trauma centres.
Methods
Between 22 November and 5 December 2022, a web-based questionnaire was sent out by
the Academy of the German Trauma Society (AUC) and by the Society of Leading Orthopaedic
and Trauma Surgeons (VLOU).
Result
The questionnaire was answered by 185 heads of department. Of the responses, 20% came
from university hospitals or major trauma centres, and a third from regional or local
clinics. More than half of the hospital departments (55%) had a median of 2.7 vacant
doctor positions. Among those hospitals, 47% had a vacant position for a consultant,
33% for a board-certified specialist, and 89% for a junior doctor. Within the university
hospitals, only one third had vacant doctor positions. The responding heads of department
gave negative feedback regarding the number of applications, the qualifications of
young doctors, and their motivation for scientific work (in university hospitals).
Conclusion
More than half of the responding hospitals had vacant doctor positions. If we are
to counteract the growing shortage of doctors in orthopaedics and trauma surgery,
the number of clinical doctors in general and the working conditions in hospitals
have to be improved. Teaching hospitals should try to improve the training of medical
students with a view to inspiring greater motivation to work in orthopaedics and trauma
surgery.
Keywords
shortage of doctors in orthopedics and trauma surgery - survey - medical successors
