More Healing Hands Through More Harmonized Voices: The SCALPEL Study

Abstract

Introduction

Burnout and declining fulfillment are prevalent among facial plastic surgeons (FPS), yet the organizational drivers of these challenges remain underexplored. Ownership structure, workplace autonomy, and collective representation may influence surgeon well-being and workforce sustainability.

Objectives and Hypotheses

To assess how autonomy, ownership, and unionization relate to satisfaction and stress among FPS. We hypothesized that private practitioners would report greater autonomy and satisfaction, that academic and hospital-employed surgeons would experience more stress and diminished control, and that prior union exposure would correspond with more favorable views of collective representation.

Study Design

Cross-sectional observational survey (STROBE).

Methods

A 26-item anonymous survey was distributed to all 1,041 members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; 104 responded (10%). Variables included practice type, ownership, union history, autonomy, compensation satisfaction, stressors, and openness to unionization. Analyses employed chi-square tests and qualitative content analysis.

Results

Surgeons in private practice reported the highest autonomy and compensation satisfaction and the lowest rates of feeling rushed. Hospital-employed and academic surgeons were more likely to report diminished autonomy, administrative stress, and lack of influence over workplace decisions. Only 11% of respondents expressed interest in unionizing, though prior union members generally described positive experiences. Surgeons' beliefs about whether unionization affects patient care did not vary significantly by practice setting.

Conclusion

Structural factors, particularly the autonomy and ownership model, are strongly linked to satisfaction and stress among FPS. Organizational reforms that enhance autonomy and support collective voice may reduce burnout and improve workforce sustainability.

Keywords

organizational factors - unions - private equity - working conditions

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