"Divorce Among Surgeons and Other Physicians in the US"

"Divorce Among Surgeons and Other Physicians in the US"

This study investigates divorce prevalence among U.S. surgeons compared to nonsurgeon physicians and the general population using 2017–2021 American Community Survey data. In a cross-sectional analysis of 3,171 surgeons, 51,660 nonsurgeon physicians, and 12.2 million adults, surgeons exhibited a 22% higher adjusted odds of divorce than nonsurgeon physicians (21.8% vs. 18.7%) despite both groups divorcing less frequently than the general population (26.8%). Subgroup analyses revealed the disparity was significant for male surgeons (22.6% vs. 18.9%) and White (22.4% vs. 19.1%) and Asian (12.0% vs. 8.1%) surgeons, but not for female or Black/other race surgeons. While controlling for age, income, work hours, and family factors, the residual difference suggests unique stressors in surgical careers—such as burnout, unpredictable hours, and work-life imbalance—contribute to marital instability. Notably, surgeons worked longer hours (51 vs. 45.6 hours/week) and had higher incomes, yet these factors alone did not explain the elevated divorce risk.

The findings underscore systemic challenges in surgical professions that may strain marital relationships, even as physicians overall divorce less than the general public.

Limitations include reliance on self-reported Census data and inability to assess spousal characteristics or cultural influences on divorce. 

While the study aligns with prior research linking high-stress medical roles to relationship strain, it highlights the need for targeted interventions to mitigate burnout and support work-life balance in surgery. Future research should explore specialty-specific stressors and longitudinal impacts of workplace reforms on surgeons’ personal well-being.

Ann Surg
Volume 281, Number 1, January 2025

DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006531

Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc