[Working conditions in endocrine surgery : A study among participants of the 43rd annual conference of the Surgical Working Group Endocrinology].

introductionWorking conditions in surgical specialties are increasingly characterized by high workload and growing job dissatisfaction, negatively affecting recruitment, retention, and the long-term sustainability of healthcare services. While extensive data are available for surgery as a whole, working conditions in endocrine surgery as a subspecialty of visceral surgery have not yet been investigated separately. The aim of the present study was, for the first time, to assess job satisfaction, occupational stressors, and working conditions among endocrine surgeons in Germany and to compare these factors according to the extent of endocrine surgical practice. MATERIALS AND

methodsAn anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted during the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Surgical Working Group for Endocrinology (CAEK). The standardized questionnaire comprised 28 items addressing sociodemographic characteristics, professional activity, workload, and job satisfaction.

resultsA total of 84 fully completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Overall, 85% of respondents reported high or very high job satisfaction. Predominant involvement in endocrine surgery was associated with significantly higher overall job satisfaction (OR = 2.78; p = 0.021). Differences were particularly pronounced regarding opportunities for continuing medical education (OR = 4.41; p = 0.001), working time arrangements (OR = 3.21; p = 0.006), and surgical training and professional development (OR = 2.93; p = 0.014). Furthermore, 75% of respondents stated that they would unequivocally choose endocrine surgery again as their specialty. The main sources of occupational burden were bureaucratic and organizational demands. Overall stress levels differed only marginally between groups. The only significant difference was a higher burden from night shifts among surgeons whose endocrine surgical practice constituted a secondary part of their professional activity.

conclusionPhysicians predominantly engaged in endocrine surgery demonstrate significantly higher job satisfaction despite experiencing comparable levels of occupational burden. These findings suggest that specialized clinical profiles, structured training pathways, and favorable working time models contribute substantially to the attractiveness of this field. Promoting specialized training with the goal of subspecialization may therefore represent an important strategy for improving job satisfaction, enhancing recruitment and retention, and ensuring the long-term provision of surgical care in other areas of visceral surgery as well.