Abstract
Despite the high demand for medical services, the number of surgeons is decreasing, and in particular the number of abdominal emergency medicine physicians (EMPs) is dwindling. Patients' needs have become diverse, resulting in discrepancies in views and thoughts between patients and healthcare professionals and the potential for litigation has become a major risk. The specialty of surgery tends to be disliked by new physicians. To secure a sufficient number of EMPs, the promotion of high professional satisfaction and reduction of mental stress among physicians involved is essential. The current training system, in which physicians are forced to provide training during busy clinical practices, but without having their efforts reflected through salary/performance assessment, is problematic. A critical care system making use of IT may promote rapid treatment of critical patients at appropriate facilities tailored to their severity level. E-learning will play an even greater role in the teaching process, probably changing the education system drastically.
