Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2007; 89: 792-795 792Surgical training in general is presently undergoing great change. Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) and with it seamless training along with the imposition of the European Working Time Directive has meant that old fashioned surgical training is a thing of the past.
1,2The introduction of these new initiatives has also stimulated much debate as to the methods and structure of training in surgery in general. 3,4 Specifically, given the rise in the prevalence of diabetes and an ageing population, the workload of vascular radiological and surgical services will substantially increase in the foreseeable future which places great emphasis on training appropriate number of vascular specialists.
5The recent changes in surgical training, therefore, present a specific challenge to training and recruitment in vascular surgery. This study aims to determine the current opinions of basic surgical trainees (BSTs) within a single region on training requirements as well as the prospect of a career in vascular surgery.
Materials and MethodsData were collected anonymously using a single-paged questionnaire. This was distributed to all BSTs from the Yorkshire School of Surgery. BSTs were asked about their previous surgical and, specifically, vascular experience. Potential skills (operative and non-operative) gained from exposure to vascular surgery were ascertained. Core specialties for general surgical training and probable career specialty choice were established, as were potential changes to the career pathway of a vascular surgeon to make it a more attractive career choice. Out of 110 questionnaires distributed, 77 were returned (response rate 70%).
ResultsOf the 77 BSTs, 32 were in the first year of the BST scheme, 27 the second and 18 the third. The workload of vascular services will substantially increase in the foreseeable future with the recent changes in surgical training presenting a challenge to training and recruitment in vascular surgery. This study aimed to determine the current feelings towards vascular surgery as a career choice from basic surgical trainees (BSTs) within a single region.
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