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Volunteerism among surgeons: an exploration of attitudes and barriers.

Publication ,  Journal Article
McGinigle, KL; Milano, PM; Rich, PB; Viera, AJ
Published in: Am J Surg
August 2008

BACKGROUND: In a recent survey, the American College of Surgeons found great interest in surgically related volunteerism, but it was unclear if the interest reflected participation. The purpose of the current study was to explore attitudes and barriers to volunteering. METHODS: To assess surgeons' experiences and beliefs about volunteerism, we mailed a questionnaire to Nathan A. Womack Society members. We analyzed respondents' demographics and attitudes, and associations between physician characteristics and volunteer status. RESULTS: The response rate was 42.5%. More than half (56%) of respondents volunteered surgical skills at least once, and 48% actively volunteer a mean of 9 days per year. Full-time practicing status was associated with being an active volunteer (57.8% vs 17.2% not full-time, P <.001). Modifiable barriers were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Many different kinds of surgeons volunteer their surgical skills, reflecting the interest found by the College. Knowledge of barriers can be used to develop strategies to help interested surgeons pursue volunteer interests.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Am J Surg

DOI

EISSN

1879-1883

Publication Date

August 2008

Volume

196

Issue

2

Start / End Page

300 / 304

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Volunteers
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Surgery
  • Personnel Staffing and Scheduling
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans
  • General Surgery
  • Female
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
 

Citation

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ICMJE
MLA
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McGinigle, K. L., Milano, P. M., Rich, P. B., & Viera, A. J. (2008). Volunteerism among surgeons: an exploration of attitudes and barriers. Am J Surg, 196(2), 300–304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2007.10.015
McGinigle, Katharine L., Peter M. Milano, Preston B. Rich, and Anthony J. Viera. “Volunteerism among surgeons: an exploration of attitudes and barriers.Am J Surg 196, no. 2 (August 2008): 300–304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2007.10.015.
McGinigle KL, Milano PM, Rich PB, Viera AJ. Volunteerism among surgeons: an exploration of attitudes and barriers. Am J Surg. 2008 Aug;196(2):300–4.
McGinigle, Katharine L., et al. “Volunteerism among surgeons: an exploration of attitudes and barriers.Am J Surg, vol. 196, no. 2, Aug. 2008, pp. 300–04. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2007.10.015.
McGinigle KL, Milano PM, Rich PB, Viera AJ. Volunteerism among surgeons: an exploration of attitudes and barriers. Am J Surg. 2008 Aug;196(2):300–304.
Journal cover image

Published In

Am J Surg

DOI

EISSN

1879-1883

Publication Date

August 2008

Volume

196

Issue

2

Start / End Page

300 / 304

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Volunteers
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Surgery
  • Personnel Staffing and Scheduling
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans
  • General Surgery
  • Female
  • Cross-Sectional Studies