ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Our study evaluated general surgery resident indebtedness and perspectives on financial compensation. METHODS: In May 2020, a survey was distributed nationwide by general surgery program directors in the Association of Program Directors in Surgery on a voluntary basis to their residents. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 419 general surgery residents. Median salary was $60-65 K and median medical educational debt was $200-250 K. Approximately 61% of residents reported that their financial needs were not met by their income. Most residents (76%) believe that for a fair compensation, their salaries should be 30-50% higher. Proposed interventions for improvement in resident compensation included: overtime payment, redirection of GME funds to the residency programs, and compensating residents for billable services. CONCLUSIONS: Residents enter training with significant medical educational debt and feel unfairly compensated for their work. Therefore, comprehensive interventions with input from residents are needed to improve their financial well-being.