ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS IN DEMAND, BUT DIFFICULT TO RECRUIT

Orthopaedic surgeons are among the most difficult specialty physicians to recruit, according to a 2005 survey of hospital physician recruitment trends, conducted by Merritt & Hawkins, Associates.

Forty percent of hospitals (particularly those in the 101 to 200 bed category) are currently looking for orthopaedic surgeons.

Increases in demand for orthopaedic surgeons and a limited supply of those professionals are the primary reasons for the shortage.