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Scientific Oral Presentations

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Session: Scientific Oral Presentations 3 - Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Compensation Structures, Job Satisfaction, and Retention of Facial Plastic Surgeons in Academic Practices

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
11:00 AM – 11:06 AM EDT
Location: MBCC, 222
Disclosure(s):
Julia R. Brennan, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Jaymie A. Bromfield, MPH:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Madeline M. Owen, BS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Christina M. Matl, MS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Daniel Y. Zhou, BA:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: There is a paucity of income data available for academic facial plastic surgeons. This study seeks to understand the differences in compensation models utilized around the country and to what end surgeons are satisfied with their income and current positions.

Methods: An electronic questionnaire was distributed to members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Data were collected between July 2023 and January 2024. Descriptive statistics and univariate analysis were performed to evaluate compensation structures and workplace satisfaction.

Results: A total of 59 facial plastic surgeons responded of which 45 reported employment by academic medical centers. Median years in practice was 6-10. Geographic distribution varied with 15 (33%) from the midwest, 13 (29%) from the northeast, 10 (22%) from southeast, and 7 (16%) from the west. Compensation was structured as production-based relative value units (RVU) for 17 (38%), collections-based for 10 (22%), salary (with or without production incentives) for 9 (20%), or a combination of production- or compensation-based models for 9 (20%). In strict RVU models, dollar-per-RVU was reported between $41-91 with a median $60 [interquartile range (IQR) $58-66]. There was no significant difference in average dollar-per-RVU between regions (p>0.05). 16 (84%) respondents endorsed no cap on RVUs. Median RVU target before incentive was 7500 (IQR 6690-9000). There was a significant difference in RVU targets across years in practice (p=0.002), but no difference between regions (p>0.05). 25 (56%) surgeons reported being very satisfied or satisfied with their income and 28 (62%) reported being very unlikely or unlikely to leave academia in the next 5 years. Surgeons who reported satisfaction with income were less likely to consider leaving academics (p=0.038).

Conclusions: This study provides greater transparency surrounding compensation structure for academic facial plastic surgeons while providing insight into financial factors that play a role in their retention within academics.

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Rahul Kamal Sharma, MD

    Resident Physician
    Vanderbilt University Medical Ctr
    Nashville, Tennessee, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Julia R. Brennan, MD

    Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
    Northwestern Medicine
    Nashville, Tennessee, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • JB

    Jaymie A. Bromfield, MPH

    Clinical Research Coordinator
    Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern McGraw Medical Center
    Chicago, IL, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Madeline M. Owen, BS

    MD/MBA Candidate
    Northwestern University
    Chicago, IL, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Christina M. Matl, MS

    Medical Student
    Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
    Lubbock, TX, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Daniel Y. Zhou, BA

    Medical Student
    Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
    Morton Grove, IL, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • SM

    Steven R. Mobley, MD

    Owner/ Director
    Mobley MD Facial Plastic Surgery
    Murray, Utah, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • DS

    Douglas M. Sidle, MD

    Assistant Professor
    Northwestern University
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Senior Author(s)

  • JW

    James C. Wang, MD, PhD

    Assistant Professor
    Northwestern Med Faculty Fndtn Dept of Otolaryngology-HNS
    Chicago, IL, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.