Shortage of Plastic Surgeons in Lebanon: Impact of the 2019 Economic Crisis

Abstract

Background: Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis since 2019 has seen an unprecedented migration of professional healthcare workers. This article analyzes the adequacy of registered plastic surgeons in Lebanon in 2023. Methods: A list of registered plastic surgeons was obtained from the Lebanese Order of Physicians. Registered plastic surgeons were contacted via email or phone and were asked to fill in a survey questionnaire addressing their work status. Additionally, the number of plastic surgeon graduates, between 2018 and 2022, was obtained from Lebanese medical schools. Results: Of the 162 plastic surgeons registered with the Lebanese Order of Physicians in 2023, 158 responded to the survey (97.5%). The work settings of the active plastic surgeons fell into three categories: working in Lebanon full time, splitting work between Lebanon and abroad, and exclusively working abroad. The ratio of plastic surgeons practicing full time in Lebanon is 1.11 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is significantly below the recommended ratio of 2.01. Twenty eight percent of the plastic surgeons working in Lebanon are aged between 65 and 75 years. Meanwhile, an average of only three graduates (2018–2022) enter the workforce annually after completing training in plastic and reconstructive surgery residency. Among the various subspecialties within plastic and reconstructive surgery, aesthetic surgery was the most commonly practiced by those surveyed. Conclusions: There is a relative shortage of plastic surgeons in Lebanon that is compounded by a significant focus on aesthetic procedures. Implementation of strategies is needed to bridge this gap and meet the needs of the underserved people of Lebanon.