Modern Healthcare readers reject mandatory retirement age

While the U.S. government sets mandatory retirement ages for high-risk industries such as aviation and federal law enforcement, 73% of respondents to a Modern Healthcare online poll said such measures are not needed for aging physicians.

However, respondents overwhelmingly backed mandatory assessment programs, and many felt stricter age-related policies are needed for certain clinical specialties like surgeons.

A total of 799 people took the poll from May 2-20. More than 300 offered comments on the topic.

“Mandatory retirement assumes cognitive decline is universal, which it is not,” said one. “Frankly the health system cannot afford to lose the manpower,” stated another.

Respondents did worry about the ability of aging physicians to stay abreast of new regulations, treatments and technologies. “It becomes impossible to keep up,” one said.

Differences narrowed when poll-takers were asked whether retirement should be mandatory for certain specialists. About 46% answered “yes,” with surgeons the most frequently cited specialty. Those jobs are physically demanding, require fine motor skills, dexterity and eye-hand coordination, they noted. Invasive cardiologists, obstetricians, neurologists and emergency medicine doctors also were frequently cited.

Yet respondents were adamantly opposed to the government imposing mandatory retirement ages. Over three-quarters did support requiring routine exams testing clinical skill and overall health. About 32% said those exams should take effect starting at age 70; 28% said between 65 and 69; and 21% said between ages 60 and 64.