Mortality Among Surgeons in the United States
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By
July 30, 2025
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3 min
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1
Surgeons have a mortality rate of 355.3 per 100,
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2
Non-surgeon physicians have a mortality rate of 228.4 per 100,
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3
Neoplasms are the leading cause of death among surgeons.
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4
Heart disease ranks second for both groups.
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5
Occupational stress may contribute to higher mortality in surgeons.
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6
Extended work hours and exposure to hazards are noted factors.
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7
More research is needed on the occupational drivers of surgeon mortality.
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8
Data comes from the 2023 National Vital Statistics System.
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In 2023, a comprehensive analysis of national death records revealed that U.S. surgeons experience significantly higher mortality rates compared to non-surgeon physicians. The study, which analyzed over a million adult deaths, found a mortality rate of 355.3 per 100,000 among surgeons versus 228.4 among their non-surgeon counterparts. Neoplasms were the leading cause of death, followed by heart disease and unintentional injuries. Lead author Vishal R. Patel, MD, MPH, highlights that this disparity may stem from unique occupational stressors despite similar medical knowledge and access to care.
-
1
Surgeons have a mortality rate of 355.3 per 100,
-
2
Non-surgeon physicians have a mortality rate of 228.4 per 100,
-
3
Neoplasms are the leading cause of death among surgeons.
-
4
Heart disease ranks second for both groups.
-
5
Occupational stress may contribute to higher mortality in surgeons.
-
6
Extended work hours and exposure to hazards are noted factors.
-
7
More research is needed on the occupational drivers of surgeon mortality.
-
8
Data comes from the 2023 National Vital Statistics System.
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