Single-specialty versus multispecialty vascular surgery group model

The shift in employment options for vascular surgeons in the current era of major health care reform is being widely debated. After the decision to seek hospital employment or independent practice, the choice of then practicing in a single-specialty or a multispecialty practice remains a difficult decision. Although the trend is toward medium-sized to large-sized groups, only 1.2% of medical practices currently have >11 physicians. Barring the large multispecialty groups, such as Kaiser Permanente, Cleveland Clinic, or Mayo Clinic, most vascular practices are constituted as small groups. Which format prospers will depend on adroit management of financial and intellectual capital and nimbleness in adapting to rapidly changing market conditions. In this report, two practicing vascular surgeons debate the merits of single or multispecialty practice, with a commentary to follow.