Projections by AAMC indicate a shortfall of 10,100 to 19,900 surgical specialist physicians by 2036. Despite shortage projections, current data indicates significant gaps in access to care, largely due to the uneven distribution of surgeons across the country. These regional disparities are expected to intensify as workforce shortages and geographic misalignment continue.
There are roughly 91,000 practicing surgeons in the United States, not including OB/GYNs or urologists.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 4% employment growth in surgery from 2023 to 2033. This employment growth will be primarily driven by replacement needs, such as retirement and attrition rates, coupled with increasing demand from an aging population.
Over 52,000 physicians work locum tenens assignments annually, according to the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations. Of the over 91,100 active surgeons in the United States, approximately 11,700 have engaged in locum tenens work, whether as a supplement to their primary role or as a standalone career.
Demographic shifts in the United States, particularly the aging population, create dual challenges for healthcare organizations: an increased demand for surgical services compounded by an aging surgical workforce.
As the shortage of surgeons widens across rural regions, millions of Americans face limited access to local surgical care, which can increase the risk of delayed treatments and serious health complications.
The demand for surgical procedures will continue to rise over the next decade, making strategic workforce planning essential to sustaining surgical capacity as patient volumes increase.
With retirements outpacing the arrival of new surgeons in rural areas, attracting and retaining surgical talent will be essential to maintaining access to care in these communities.
Locum tenens surgeons, across all surgical subspecialties, can be key to providing consistent access to surgical care, particularly in rural areas.
Partnering with Medicus goes beyond filling gaps—we connect you with locum tenens surgeons who seamlessly integrate into your team. Our tailored approach ensures reliable, high-quality coverage, keeping your team fully staffed and patient care uninterrupted.
For a comprehensive look into the surgeon shortage, demands, and actionable strategies to navigate it, download our complete report here.
There are over 91,000 surgeons in the U.S., not including OB/GYNs or urologists, with roughly 30,400 of them specializing in general surgery.
According to Medicus' proprietary data, as of April 2025, approximately 11,700 surgeons across various specialties have engaged in locum tenens work, either in tandem with their permanent roles or as a standalone career.
Surgical services account for roughly 60% of a hospital's revenue. In rural areas, surgeons generate up to $2.7 million in revenue annually.
25.1% of all surgeons are 65 or older.
The surgeon shortage is being driven by increased demand, a limited pipeline of new surgeons, geographical disparities, an aging population, and other additional factors.