The study from the University of Washington in Seattle notes a 25 percent drop in general surgeons per 100,000 Americans in the past 25 years.

That percentage takes into account not only the decrease in surgeons, but also the increase in the u-s population.

The biggest loss--more than 27-percent--is in urban areas, while there is a 21 percent decrease in rural areas.

Interestingly, the number of women filling the general surgeon roles increased substantially in urban areas from 1981 to 2005.

And in other medical news…
Heart experts say kids diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should be screened for certain heart conditions before going on some ADHD drugs.

Studies have shown that stimulant medications can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Side effects that wouldn't affect most children, but could be very serious, and even deadly, for those with certain heart conditions.

The American Heart Association has issued a statement recommending children undergo an electro-cardio-gram before beginning stimulant drugs to treat ADHD.

The statement also encourages doctors to re-evaluate children and teens already on these drugs