Vascular Surgery is An Unattractive Career Option for Current Basic Surgical Trainees: A Regional Perspective

Abstract

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.

Self-assessment of the Training of Vascular Fellows: Survey Results of 219 Vascular Fellows From 2004 Through 2007

“…[2][3][4] Although these data do examine certain important issues before and after training, scant data exist focusing on vascular training itself.…”

“…In the past, surveys in vascular surgery had focused on assessing the interest of medical students, general surgery, and vascular residents to choose or not to choose the field of vascular surgery, the endovascular experience of vascular surgeons, and manpower issues for vascular surgery as a whole. [2][3][4] Although these data do examine certain important issues before and after training, scant data exist focusing on vascular training itself.…”

Managing Peripheral Artery Disease in Diabetic Patients: A Questionnaire Survey from Vascular Centers of the Mediterranean Federation for the Advancing of Vascular Surgery (MeFAVS)

“…Therefore, the offering of more specialized training in endovascular skills and/or integrating vascular surgery with interventional radiology training programs 12 may lead to higher recruitment. 13 Simulators, both open and endovascular, play an increasingly important role in training programs as well as outreach programs for medical students.…”

A Third-Year Surgery Clerkship With Extensive Exposure to Vascular Surgery Improves Knowledge About Vascular Disease and the Role of Vascular Surgeons in its Management

“…Unfortunately, interest in vascular surgery among general surgery residents appears to be declining. 12,13 Furthermore, there is a significant knowledge deficit that exists among medical students about both vascular disease and the role of the vascular surgeon in treating it. 6 Notwithstanding these data, there is evidence that both mentorship by a vascular surgeon and focused, shortened training paradigms may positively influence choice of vascular surgery as a career among medical students and general surgery residents.…”