Surgeon Licensure Gains Support, Trust Lags
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By
January 21, 2026
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4 min
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1
95% of U.S. adults support disclosure of international training in informed consent.
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2
85% support licensure laws for internationally trained surgeons.
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3
Concerns include ethics and training equivalence.
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4
78% are hesitant to choose internationally trained surgeons.
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5
71% worried about international brain drain.
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6
Canada is viewed as the most comparable training country.
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7
Responses varied significantly by political and gender demographics.
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A study published in JAMA Surgery found that while 95% of U.S. adults favor disclosing a surgeon's international training background as part of informed consent, many remain hesitant about receiving care from internationally trained surgeons. Conducted in July 2025, the survey of 1,066 adults revealed substantial support for laws allowing such surgeons to practice without U.S. residency, linked to improved access and diversity in surgical care. However, 78% expressed reluctance to choose an internationally trained surgeon, citing concerns over training equivalence and ethical issues, notably international brain drain.
-
1
95% of U.S. adults support disclosure of international training in informed consent.
-
2
85% support licensure laws for internationally trained surgeons.
-
3
Concerns include ethics and training equivalence.
-
4
78% are hesitant to choose internationally trained surgeons.
-
5
71% worried about international brain drain.
-
6
Canada is viewed as the most comparable training country.
-
7
Responses varied significantly by political and gender demographics.
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