What proportion of basic surgical trainees continue in a surgical career?A survey of the factors which are important in influencing

career decisions.

Richards et al.The Surgeon; Volume 7 No.5; October 2009

Phil O’Halloran

Surgical SHO

UK Surgical Training

2007 (MMC) trainees recruited from foundation year 2 to RTT in a specific speciality.

Committing to speciality at very early stage. Pre 2007: 2-3 year core training (Ireland)

Methods

467 BST trainees in West & South East of Scotland (1996-2006)

299 had valid email addresses Invited to participate in an online survey

Survey Questions

Results

64% response rate (191/299) 72% males (137/191)

Figure 1-No.of respondents starting the BST each year

Results

I want to be a surgeon!

Figure 2- timing of decision to pursue a career in surgery

Results

Results

At the time of survey…..

78% still in surgery (149/191)

20% moved out of surgery (38/191)

2% left medicine completely (4/191)

Results

Figure 4.Current careers who have left surgery

Limitations

Biased Weak study- but topical Small number- poor uptake Not national

Discussion!

As of the 8th of October 2009 @ 14.23

BST is now a 3 year programme in Ireland.

- is this the way forward???