According to Mehr News Agency, the third congress of the Iranian General Surgeons Association took place over the days of the seventh to ninth of Aban. The halls were packed with enthusiastic surgeons from all over the country, creating not just a scientific event, but a stage for the representation of the concerns, aspirations, and real lives of the land’s surgeons, as described by Mehdad Behlouli, the scientific secretary. He stated that the perspective aiming to display a more human side of surgeons, enhance their practical capabilities, and simultaneously address the economic and mental hardships of the young generation of surgeons is vital. Failure to address these issues will deeply disrupt the cycle of education and healthcare in the land.
An executive board member of the Iranian General Surgeons Association spoke about the aims of these events, emphasizing the focus on both scientific advancement and addressing professional concerns. Alongside scientific programs, panels, and symposiums were designed to delve into legal and professional issues of surgeons, believing that without improving their living and occupational conditions, scientific progress cannot be sustained.
Regarding the details of these programs, he added that this year approximately 45 specialized speeches, 14 scientific panels, and 9 practical workshops were held. The attempt was made this year to transform the traditional shape of congresses. In most scientific events, individuals come, give lectures, and some just listen; however, the aim was for each participant to have practical skills. Therefore, workshops were designed to immerse surgeons in real training fields. The instructors in these workshops were experienced surgeons, providing participants with interactive educational environments. This practical ability was our unique feature compared to previous sessions, and it will undoubtedly be expanded in the future.
On the sidelines of the congress, a peripheral exhibition was also held, which according to Behlouli, was one of the largest exhibitions in recent years in the field of general surgery.
He stated that they invited companies with reputable international brands and accepted product quality only. Despite high demand, some companies without the required certification were not allowed in the exhibition, as standards and health were our top priority.
However, perhaps the distinctive and cultural aspect of this congress was the parts that blended the dry scientific atmosphere with a touch of life. The scientific secretary of the congress mentioned the peripheral aspects, stating that one of the speeches was about surgery in the Shahnameh, reflecting a historical and cultural view of the medical science. Additionally, they initiated a football team consisting of surgeons. The first match was held with Varya Ghafouri’s team, where both he and Amin Manouchehri played with the surgeons’ team! Our next game will be against an artists’ team.
He described the purpose of this program by stating: We aimed to demonstrate that surgeons are not one-dimensional beings. In society, there is typically a harsh and dry image of doctors and surgeons, while we have concerns about art, sports, and life. These interactions are part of our mental health and human identity.
Nevertheless, amidst this scientific and cultural fervor, a serious concern exists that according to Behlouli, has turned into a silent crisis.
He pointed out: The most significant challenge for general surgeons today is economic livelihood and financial concerns, especially among young surgeons. Unfortunately, the public perception of high earnings among surgeons is far from reality. For instance, a surgeon who has attained first-class specialty and subspecialty boards, studied for years, and recently joined a hospital in Tehran, has a basic salary of 25 million Tomans. Since he is new, he does not receive a fee during this period. Even when his fee is established, his total income will be close to 65 million Tomans, while just his house rent is 45 million Tomans! This means he cannot cover his usual living expenses. These conditions do not only lead to an economic crisis. When a physician is worried about paying rent, how can we expect him to focus on teaching residents or performing surgeries with complete attention? This situation leads to exhaustion, depression, and even a tendency to emigrate or leave the profession. In recent years, we have seen cases of suicide within the medical community rooted in these pressures.
Behlouli, critically yet optimistically, stated: We must rectify this flawed cycle. A young individual who studies for years to become a surgeon should not have financial worries at the beginning of their career. It is the responsibility of the government and the healthcare system to design a fairer payment system for young physicians and surgeons.
He insisted: When a surgeon cannot enjoy his life, how can we expect him to think about patients’ lives with complete focus and precision? Providing fair financial support to physicians is, in fact, an investment in societal health.
Finally, Behlouli described the third congress of the Iranian General Surgeons Association as a congress of life and added: We endeavored to connect science with life, from Shahnameh to football, from skill workshops to professional gatherings. All of this aims to show that surgeons are not only known for their surgical skills but also for having a vibrant heart, an active mind, and a social spirit standing alongside the people.