Are surgeons spunkier than non-surgeons?

BACKGROUND: Surgeons are known to be bolder than other members of the medical profession. Testosterone levels are known to be higher in aggressive men. We wondered whether the above two statements indicated that the spunkiness of surgeons was related to higher testosterone levels. METHODS: Sixteen surgeons and 16 non-surgeons, all men, aged 32-59 years took part in a prospective study that assessed their testosterone levels. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the testosterone levels of the two groups. CONCLUSION: The reason for the gutsy behaviour of surgeons is not linked to their testosterone levels. Surgeons were disappointed to know this while non-surgeons were amused and a bit relieved.