A survey from the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (ESPRAS) highlights the move away from reconstructive surgery.
A survey from the European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (ESPRAS) has found that Gen Z surgeons are favouring working in the private aesthetics sector over reconstructive surgery. This has raised concerns about workforce shortages in public healthcare.
Gen Z are those born between 1997 and 2012.
The survey, which covered both Europe and the US focused on the challenges, opportunities, and structural changes needed to address the influence of Gen Z.
Findings suggest that Gen Z is spearheading reduced working hours, enhanced work-life balance and a decline in hierarchical mentorship. Instead those in that generation want to move towards a more egalitarian and less formal relationship with superiors and peers.
“What Gen Z has shown us is that it’s time to overhaul the surgical landscape with a focus on balance and the wellbeing of our workforce,” said consultant plastic surgeon and ESPRAS president Mark Henley.
“These trends, which on the face of it appear worrying, are actually pleas for an urgent review that considers the juxtaposition between providing a full service to patients and supporting colleagues in securing a well-balanced life. If we can address these growing needs, we are more likely to avoid the devastating impact of losing our talented surgeons to the aesthetics sector, instead providing a workplace that offers good work-life balance, and enhanced mentorship opportunities. This has multiple benefits, including the delivery of highest quality patient care,” he continued.
In October 2024 eight leaders of national plastic surgery societies and associations were invited to complete a structured questionnaire with five open-ended questions. They provided detailed responses on challenges, opportunities, and structural changes needed to address Gen Z’s influence.
