J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 126(6): 515-521, 2025

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Feature topic

INITIATIVES TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEONS

The declining number of young doctors choosing surgical careers, particularly in demanding fields like cardiovascular surgery, is a critical issue in Japan. The outflow of cardiovascular surgeons overseas further exacerbates this issue. To revitalize the field, it is essential not merely to increase the number of surgeons, but also to improve working conditions and foster a diverse, sustainable training environment. This paper presents five strategic approaches to strengthen cardiovascular surgery: 1) offering diverse training opportunities through a collaborative program involving both university and community hospitals; 2) improving efficiency through interhospital collaboration; 3) promoting flat organizational structures and facility consolidation; 4) reducing workloads through task-sharing with nurse practitioners and intensivists; and 5) addressing compensation reform to provide fair, motivating rewards. We emphasize that future cardiovascular surgeons must be more than technically competent; they must be innovative, adaptable, and supported by systems that respect diverse career paths. Developing such talent in a flexible, well-structured environment is vital to ensuring the long-term vitality of cardiovascular surgery. Ultimately, it is not the quantity but the quality and sustainability of the surgical workforce which will determine the future of the specialty.

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