What's a trauma surgeon worth? A salary survey of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma

Background: Professional compensation is an important consideration for all physicians. Few objective data specific to trauma surgery are available to those seeking employment or contract renegotiation in the United States. N ational benchmark salary data should assist trauma surgeons in securing fai r and equitable compensation. The purpose of this study was to survey traum a surgeons who are members of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Tr auma regarding current salary levels, benefits, contract arrangements, prac tice descriptors, and opinions on professional reimbursement. Methods: Anonymous self-report questionnaires were mailed to active members of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma. Only general surgeon s practicing in the United States were included. Data were maintained in a confidential database. Results: of 385 surveys mailed, 207 (53.7%) were returned. There were 172 u seable questionnaires, for an overall response rate of 44.6%, Nearly 93% of respondents worked in states east of the Mississippi River, Mean age was 4 2.4 years (range, 33-50 years) and 94.7% were male. Over 66% of the surgeon s were fellowship trained in trauma, and 44% were chiefs of trauma services . The mean years of experience was 8.8 years (range, 1-17 years). Most resp ondents worked at teaching institutions (88%) and Level I centers (66%), Th e mean annual compensation was $229,142 +/- $78,045 (range, $90,000-$528,00 0). These salaries were comparable to ranges from academic surveys of gener al surgeons. Few surgeons had professional guidance negotiating their compe nsation. Survey respondents were aware of few objective data specific to tr auma surgery. Conclusion: This preliminary survey provides a unique benchmark for trauma surgeon salaries. Trauma surgeons should benefit from a more informed and s tructured approach to salary negotiations. Detailed trauma surgeon-specific data obtained periodically are essential to ensuring fair and equitable co mpensation in this specialty.