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AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY–HEAD AND NECK SURGERY

Analysis: Retirement

RETIREMENT Retirees who responded to this survey were slightly older than last year: a median age of 69 this year versus 67.5 in 2022 (Table 11.1). This variability could be due to sampling differences. Given our 2022 survey results, which indicated a significant intention to retire over the next two years, as well as the retirement intentions expressed by younger workers, the retirement age is a vital component of workforce longevity worth tracking moving forward. We used all response categories (both provided and fill-in) from 2022 to craft the retirement reason(s) question this year. Since multiple responses were allowed, we wanted to display the relative frequency

of each category. Individual pull factors were most mentioned as the reason for retirement, including: wanting to enjoy other things, being financially secure, and spending more time with family (Figure 11.1). However, on an overall basis, push factors still dominated the retirement reasons. Given that patient access is, in part, a function of our overall longevity in the workforce, we should aim to address the push factors through advocacy so physicians can retire in such a manner that pull factors dominate overall. These past few years of data have given AAO-HNS leadership and the advocacy team more information to narrow our focus in that regard.

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THE 2023 OTOLARYNGOLOGY WORKFORCE