Aging surgeons

[csutherland]

Saw an article in today's newspaper about patient mortality being higher when operated on by older surgeons. It mentioned pancreas, heart and one other. Then it went on to say that, rather than slow down, an aging surgeon should keep up his pace. (Practice makes perfect concept)

This has been a concern of ours. The excellent surgeon in St Louis that Jerry's been seeing for his aneurysm is Jerry's age--69 or 70. He still does lots of aortic surgeries, but that seems pretty old to us. Hopefully the aneurysm won't grow, but then again.....We like his experience, but on the other hand younger surgeons might be more cutting edge. No pun intended!

What's your experience or opinion on this issue?

 

[Mary]

Since the surgeon Jerry's been seeing is my surgeon who performed my AVR, I have thought about his age. I believe he's 66, according to what we were told in 2005, at Missouri Baptist.
My greatest concern is he won't be practicing when it's time to have my bovine valve replaced. If he's not, I'm searching for the most experienced surgeon I can find, and it won't make me any difference what his age is.
I feel very fortunate that Dr. K. did my first surgery--even at 65!

 

[Granbonny]

Celia

Celia

I heard this discussion on Fox news this morning with their doctor on call (Dr, Manny)......really just got the end of it..when he said, all doctors have to have checkups, ect.??..What I wanted to say..that All USA Airlines Pilots are forced to retire at the age of 60... My hubby had 35 years of flying with Delta Airlines and passed all his annual checkups..yet, he had to retire....I stood at the cockpit door with him on his last flight. So many passengers stopped and shook his hand and said, what a shame..Most said, they would rather know, they had a Pilot with experience... He is still a very healthy age 75 year old.....Accidents can still happen with young pilots. like in Lexington, Ky last week.I'm sure most Surgeons choose to retire early..regular doctors may choose to continue to practice beyond age 60..All of the doctors that I have seen since my surgery were young..under the age of 50.......Some so young..that I feel like asking..are you the doctor? Bonnie

 

[PegB]

I saw this article in our paper this morning and was just getting around to putting it on here. I think Dr. Cosgrove is 64, or might be 65 already. Just when I was having so much confidence in my surgeon I know he's has really been limiting the number of cases he takes now, but according to the paper that isn't a good thing. I like to think that he's done enough valve repairs that he could do this blindfolded with one hand tied behind his back.

Hope we get a lot of posts on this to see what the rest of you all think.

 

[PegB]

Thought I'd bring this back up to the top to join in the surgeon selection debate going on. Now we have...

1) Size and reputation of hospital, as well as location
2) Quantity of procedures and reputation of Surgeon
3) Bedside manner / care & concern of surgeon
4) Hosp. staff after care / nurse-patient ratio
5) AGE of surgeon

I'm thinking a coin toss might work just as well