Is Robot Surgery a Solution to the Surgeon Shortage?

The impact of surgical robots and their effect on the surgeon shortage.

Demand for surgery services is climbing – and so is the shortage of general surgeons.

By 2050, the nationwide deficit will grow to 7,047 general surgeons, which is almost 18 percent higher than originally anticipated. Some believe using robot surgery could help relieve this shortage, but in reality, they may increase the need for additional surgeons.

No doctors, no surgeries.

America’s population is growing older. Over the next 30 years, the elderly population will increase by 135 percent. Family Practice News projects elderly patients will receive 50 percent of all surgeries. Does your facility have the surgical staff to meet this need?

Even with the influx of new talent coming out of residency programs, many hospitals and networks are unable to find physicians in this competitive field. As a result, your surgical staff could become overworked, be more likely to experience burnout or make mistakes in care. Patients may experience negative impacts from delays in care.

The truth about robot surgery.

Healthcare experts are looking for modern ways to help combat the lack of full-time surgeons.

Robotic surgery systems like the da Vinci System are allowing doctors to perform surgeries with more precision and improved range of motion. Patients benefit from smaller incisions and reduced recovery time.

Learning curves do exist for staff members to learn new technologies. For example, doctors need to perform between 150-250 cases to achieve the learning curve for a robot-assisted RALP procedure. Process innovation, like the pit-stop model, is also required to streamline operating room usage.

The truth is that surgical robots aren’t fully autonomous and still require skilled surgeons to operate them. Additionally, surgical robots may increase demand for surgeries (and therefore, surgeons).

For instance, these robots could make surgery a logical choice for minor conditions that are currently treated without surgery. They could also make surgery possible for patients who are unable to go through more invasive procedures.

Alternative solutions.

Surgical innovations, like robots, cannot compensate for the growing shortage of surgeons.

As demand for intensive healthcare and surgical procedures increases, hospitals and care centers will need to change their plan of action. Locum tenens surgeons can help facilities manage the influx of surgeries projected for the future.

Use of part-time physicians, coupled with investment in advanced technology, enables your organization to provide excellent care for an ever-growing wave of patients.

Sources: British Journal of Anaesthesia, Family Practice News, Health Services Research, MDLinx, The Medical Futurists, Reuters, Surgery Center Network, Forbes.

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Federal facts for you.

We are a Federal Supply Schedule Contract holder. 

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract: 36F79723D0086, Professional and Allied Healthcare Staffing, effective March 15, 2023, through March 14, 2028.

NAICS Codes:
  • 561320: Temporary help services. 
  • 621111: Offices of physicians. 
  • 621112: Offices of physicians, mental health specialists. 
  • 621399: Offices of all other miscellaneous health practitioners. 
  • 621330: Offices of mental health practitioners.

Privileging.

Once you and our client agree to move forward with your assignment, our privileging team will assist you and the client in gathering information required by the healthcare facility to grant clinical privileges.

1

We contact the facility’s Medical Service Office (MSO) for their application and requirements.

2

We will assist you by pre-populating the facility’s application and sending to the MSO.

3

We will assist the MSO by following up on requested items.

4

MSO will grant privileges based on your training and experience, and you will be able to start your assignment.

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Maggie Youmans

Senior Vice President, Sales

As Senior Vice President, Maggie oversees several key specialty divisions and adjacent teams. With a demonstrated history of leading teams and developing individuals across the organization, she is dedicated to inspiring, challenging and empowering associates to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Maggie earned degrees in marketing and management focused on consumer economics from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. She enjoys traveling with her husband to visit different bed and breakfasts. Together, they have been able to see the beauty within their own backyard and across the country.

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Anne Anderson

Executive Vice President

"I'm passionate about the locum tenens industry - we make a real difference in the lives of both our heroic healthcare providers and the patients they treat."

Anne has been at the forefront of the evolution of locum tenens for more than 35 years. She’s a respected leader with expertise in corporate operations, risk management, credentialing, and travel services. Before joining Jackson + Coker, she served as Executive Vice President at Medical Doctor Associates, part of Cross Country Healthcare. 

An ardent industry advocate, Anne served several years on the Board of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), including two years as president. 

Anne received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College. She is also a PADI open water diver and enjoys scuba diving. 

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