General surgery in crisis--comparatively low levels of remuneration.

INTRODUCTION Several factors, including comparatively low remuneration, may be responsible for the decline in applicants to general surgery. In this study, the levels of remuneration of general surgeons in the state sector were compared with other professionals in the state sector and general surgeons overseas. METHODS The study involved a combination of desk research and structured interviews. The Paterson system of job evaluation was used to compare general surgeons with other professionals. The levels of remuneration of general surgeons in the state sector were compared with those of other professionals. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the levels of remuneration between state-employed medical practitioners and other professional positions such as legal professionals, municipal managers and airline pilots. At senior levels (senior specialist) the remuneration was only +/- 55% of that paid to the selected comparator group. There was also a significant differential between the remuneration of state-employed general surgeons and their overseas counterparts. CONCLUSION Levels of remuneration of state-employed medical practitioners continue to lag behind other professionals.