News Release

Mortality among surgeons in the United States

JAMA Surgery

Peer-Reviewed Publication

JAMA Network

About The Study: Although nonsurgeon physicians have lower mortality rates than other highly educated professionals, this mortality benefit does not extend to surgeons. Because surgeons and nonsurgeon physicians have similar levels of health care knowledge and resources, higher mortality rates among surgeons might reflect differences related to work environment, professional demands, and lifestyle. The results of this study indicate that several causes of death (e.g., motor vehicle collisions), disproportionately affect surgeons, aligning with evidence that hazardous driving events associated with extended work hours are especially pronounced among surgeons.

Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Anupam B. Jena, MD, PhD, email jena@hcp.med.harvard.edu.

To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/

(doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2025.2482)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

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