Old Surgeons

[wack]

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How old are some of the surgeons you guys work with? What is the oldest surgeon you know of that still operates?

I know this is an odd question from someone just starting medical school (albeit starting at 27) I am just curious as to how physical surgergy is. Soon (3rd year) I will be finding out first hand. What brings this question on is I know a guy who is a PA and he works for group of Urologists. He said the older member ~58 does mostly office calls while the younger member ~late thirties does most of the actual surgery. Is this just a seniority thing. The 58 y/o man seems to be fit and healthy. Does he just choose not to operate as much and pull rank making the other guy do it. I have also noticed that surgeons tend to retire earlier is this because they physically can't do the job or just a lifestyle choice. People have told me that orthopedics is very physical. Obviously this will very a lot from person to person but I am just curious about average trends and the physical aspect of surgery.

 

[triathlete411]

Hey Wack,
I just did a rotation where the two surgery attendings were 70 and 67. Both were very active and did not express any interest in retiring any time soon. They both took trauma call, had full days in the OR, and clinic days. I caught the 70 year old rounding on his patients at 10pm one evening.

Granted, I think these guys have excellent genes. I had trouble keeping up with them at times. Bottom line, your as old as you feel. I think being mentally, emotionally, and physically active (all important components of surgery) make you younger.

 

[adrexel]

Hey Wack,
I agree with tri-athlete. Youth is a frame of mind. I know a 72 year old neurosurgeon who works a full schedule.