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Sier VQ, Bisset CN, Tesselaar DAJ, Schmitz RF, Schepers A, Moug SJ, van der Vorst JR. Dissecting the surgeon's personality: cross-cultural comparisons in Western Europe. Colorectal Dis 2024. [PMID: 38687763 DOI: 10.1111/codi.16993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
AIM The surgeon's personality contributes to variation in surgical decision-making. Previous work on surgeon personality has largely been reserved to Anglo-Saxon studies, with limited international comparisons. In this work we built upon recent work on gastrointestinal surgeon personality and aimed to detect international variations. METHOD Gastrointestinal surgeons from the UK and the Netherlands were invited to participate in validated personality assessments (44-item, 60-item Big Five Inventory; BFI). These encompass personality using five domains (open-mindedness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and negative emotionality) with three subtraits each. Mean differences in domain factors were calculated between surgeon and nonsurgeon populations from normative data using independent-samples t-tests, adjusted for multiple testing. The items from the 44-item and 60-item BFI were compared between UK and Dutch surgeons and classified accordingly: identical (n = 16), analogous (n = 3), comparable (n = 12). RESULTS UK (n = 78, 61.5% male) and Dutch (n = 280, 65% male) gastrointestinal surgeons had marked differences in the domains of open-mindedness, extraversion and agreeableness compared with national normative datasets. Moreover, although surgeons had similar levels of emotional stability, country of work influenced differences in specific BFI items. For example, Netherlands-based surgeons scored highly on questions related to sociability and organization versus UK-based surgeons who scored highly on creative imagination (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION In a first cross-cultural setting, we identified country-specific personality differences in gastrointestinal surgeon cohorts across domain and facet levels. Given the variation between Dutch and UK surgeons, understanding country-specific data could be useful in guiding personality research in healthcare. Furthermore, we advocate that future work adopts consensus usage of the five factor model.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Q Sier
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - C N Bisset
- Department of General Surgery, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland
- University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - D A J Tesselaar
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R F Schmitz
- Department of Surgery, Groene Hart Hospital, Gouda, The Netherlands
| | - A Schepers
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - S J Moug
- Department of General Surgery, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, Scotland
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, Scotland
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - J R van der Vorst
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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2
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Suciu N, Meliț LE, Mărginean CO. A Holistic Approach of Personality Traits in Medical Students: An Integrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312822. [PMID: 34886548 PMCID: PMC8657758 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Personality is one of the most crucial aspects of human life, since it influences all human behaviours in both personal and social life, and might also trigger important conflicts with a person’s surroundings in the setting of incompatible traits and characteristics. It is true that ‘one must be born’ for a certain medical specialty, but several components of personality might be educated with proper training. Increased levels of Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, and Openness associated with lower levels of Neuroticism might represent the key combination for achieving professional satisfaction in the medical profession. Medical students should receive proper interprofessional education, since effective interprofessional relationships among healthcare providers definitely improve patients’ safety. Empathy contributes to effective patient–physician communication, improving patient trust, compliance, and satisfaction, being positively correlated with Openness, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and Extraversion. Emotional intelligence—the capacity to respond to one’s own and others’ emotions—was proven to contribute, in a synergistic way with empathy, to increasing empathic ability. Clinical communication skills represent a key component in medical students in order to achieve the best patient care, and they are certainly related and/or influenced by empathy, interprofessional collaboration skills, emotional intelligence and, especially, personality traits. Taking into account the complex interactions mentioned above, the implementation of effective courses based on these concepts in medical students, intending to promote the development of clinical communication skills, represents a real emergency, since it might result in a reduction in medical errors and subsequent related deaths. A thorough understanding of students’ personality is mandatory before designing these courses in order to provide a training tailored to their personality styles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Suciu
- European and Research Projects Department, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Lorena Elena Meliț
- Department of Pediatrics I, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-742-984744
| | - Cristina Oana Mărginean
- Department of Pediatrics I, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
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Dudas LM, Khan US, Borgstrom DC. Mastering the Match: Recruiting a Successful Surgery Resident. CURRENT SURGERY REPORTS 2021; 9:27. [PMID: 34729254 PMCID: PMC8552621 DOI: 10.1007/s40137-021-00304-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The objective of general surgery residency is to produce competent surgeons. At a minimum this requires being procedurally and clinically capable and able to pass the board exams. Recruitment is designed to select those residents who can successfully do so. But there is more to being a successful resident than that. In this review, we attempt to define a "successful resident" and how to attract them to your program. RECENT FINDINGS Resident applicants are still most concerned with matching to a program that will prepare them for a surgery career. Though there is variation of importance for different applicants, resident life, comradery, and relationships with faculty or mentors do factor into residency ranking. The program website remains the most utilized resource for applicants. However, social media (SM) has an increasing role in applicants' evaluation of a program. SM and the preinterview gathering seem to expose the subjective aspects of a program most effectively. Additional assessments evaluating personality, grit or career goals may assist in screening applicants for good "fit." SUMMARY In order to recruit successful residents, it is necessary to determine which applicant attributes are important to the program. Additionally, a program must maintain an updated website with clearly delineated resident expectations and program strengths. The screening and interview process must be maximized to target residents with career goals complimentary to available program opportunities. If SM is utilized, post should be frequent with relevant information pertaining to both resident life and educational or clinical opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Dudas
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical Care, West Virginia University, 1 Medical Center Drive, PO Box 9238, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
| | - Uzer S. Khan
- Department of Surgery, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - David C. Borgstrom
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical Care, West Virginia University, 1 Medical Center Drive, PO Box 9238, Morgantown, WV 26506 USA
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Mastering Stress: Mental Skills and Emotional Regulation for Surgical Performance and Life. J Surg Res 2021; 263:A1-A12. [PMID: 33678414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mental skills and emotional regulation training are gaining acceptance in surgical education as vital elements of surgeon development. These skills can effectively enhance technical skill development, improve well-being, and promote career longevity. There is evidence emerging in the surgical education literature to support the incorporation of mental skills and emotional regulation training curricula in residency training. In this study, we present the existing evidence supporting the use of this training with high performers to reduce stress and optimize well-being and performance. We also consider the recent research emerging in surgical education that offers validity evidence for use of mental skills training with surgeons. Finally, we provide a framework to guide the incorporation of these skills throughout the career of a surgeon and suggest methods to promote the development of mental skills training efforts nationally.
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Szawlowski S, Choong PFM, Li J, Nelson E, Nikpour M, Scott A, Sundararajan V, Dowsey MM. How do surgeons' trade-off between patient outcomes and risk of complications in total knee arthroplasty? a discrete choice experiment in Australia. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e029406. [PMID: 31272981 PMCID: PMC6615832 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the trade-off between risk of complications versus patient improvement in pain and function in orthopaedic surgeons' decisions about whether to undertake total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS A discrete choice experiment asking surgeons to make choices between experimentally-designed scenarios describing different levels of operative risk and dimensions of pain and physical function. Variation in preferences and trade-offs according to surgeon-specific characteristics were also examined. RESULTS The experiment was completed by a representative sample of 333 orthopaedic surgeons (n=333): median age 52 years, 94% male, 91% fully qualified. Orthopaedic surgeons were willing to accept substantial increases in absolute risk associated with TKA surgery for greater improvements in a patient's pain and function. The maximum risk surgeons were willing to accept was 40% for reoperation and 102% for the need to seek further treatment from a general practitioner or specialist in return for a change from postoperative severe night-time pain at baseline to no night-time pain at 12 months. With a few exceptions, surgeon-specific characteristics were not associated with how much risk a surgeon is willing to accept in a patient undergoing TKA. CONCLUSION This is the first study to quantify risk-benefit trade-offs among orthopaedic surgeons performing TKA, using a discrete choice experiment. This study provides insight into the risk tolerance of surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandie Szawlowski
- Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter F M Choong
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Orthopaedics, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jinhu Li
- Department of Economics, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Nelson
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony Scott
- Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vijaya Sundararajan
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle M Dowsey
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Orthopaedics, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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O'Keeffe DA, Nugent E, Neylon K, Conroy RM, Neary P, Doherty EM. Use of a Novel Measure of Nontechnical Skills in Surgical Trainees: Is There an Association With Technical Skills Performance? JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2019; 76:519-528. [PMID: 30482656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether scores on a psychological measure of concentration and interpersonal characteristics, The Attentional and Interpersonal Style Inventory (TAIS), are associated with performance of surgical skills. DESIGN Postgraduate surgical trainees completed an operative surgical skills assessment in the simulation laboratory and the psychological measure (TAIS). The surgical skills assessment consisted of 6 tasks (3 per trainee): laceration suturing; lipoma excision; incision and closure of a laparotomy wound; bowel anastomosis; saphenofemoral junction ligation and basic laparoscopic skills. The association between operative surgical skill performance and TAIS factors was investigated. SETTING The TAIS assessments and surgical skills assessments were conducted at the National Surgical Training Centre at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). PARTICIPANTS One hundred and two surgical trainees in years one and two (PGY 2-3 equivalent) participated in the study. RESULTS Performance on 2 of the 6 tasks assessed (bowel anastomosis and lipoma excision) were positively associated with multiple TAIS factors (energy, confidence, competitiveness, extroversion, self-criticism and performing under pressure). Another factor, focus over time, was significantly associated with scores on the lipoma excision task. CONCLUSIONS Trainees with high levels of energy, confidence, competitiveness, extroversion, and focus over time and low levels of self-criticism demonstrated better performance on specific technical skills tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dara A O'Keeffe
- National Surgical Training Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Emmeline Nugent
- National Surgical Training Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Karen Neylon
- National Surgical Training Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Ronán M Conroy
- School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Paul Neary
- National Surgical Training Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Eva M Doherty
- National Surgical Training Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
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Non-technical attributes and surgical experience: A cross-sectional study comparing communication styles and attitudes in surgical staff, trainees and applicants. Int J Surg 2019; 63:83-89. [PMID: 30769216 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This monocentric study aimed to explore whether key non-technical attributes can be reliably measured in a mixed population of candidates applying for surgical training, surgical trainees and staff and to identify any differences between these groups. MATERIALS & METHODS Candidates applying for surgical training, surgical trainees and staff from four surgical specialties (general surgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery or urology) at a tertiary academic teaching hospital were all sent an online self-report questionnaire. The Communication Styles Inventory (CSI, 96 items) was used to assess a six-dimensional behavioral model of participant communication styles (expressiveness, preciseness, verbal aggressiveness, questioningness, emotionality and impression manipulativeness). Attitudes toward uncertainty and risks were assessed with the Physicians' Reaction toward Uncertainty (PRU, 15 items) and Physician Risk Attitudes (PRA, 6 items) scales respectively. Data was encoded and analyzed using parametric testing. RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by 177 participants (110 candidates; 42 trainees; 25 staff). All scales had very good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.80). After controlling for gender-based differences, surgical candidates scored significantly higher on 'expressiveness' (P = 0.012) and were significantly less risk-averse (P = 0.006) than trainees and staff. Surgical trainees scored lowest on the CSI 'questioningness' subscale (P = 0.019) and had significantly more difficulties dealing with uncertainty, characterized by their highest scores on the 'concern about bad outcome' (P = 0.021) and reluctance to disclose uncertainty to patients' (P = 0.05) subscales. Multiple subscales revealed gender-based differences in candidate and trainee groups, which were not noted for surgical staff. CONCLUSIONS Meaningful differences in non-technical attributes of surgical staff, trainees and candidates have been identified, which may be explained by differences in clinical experience and learning and may suggest that these develop over time. Further research on assessment of non-technical attributes during surgical selections and the role of both technical and non-technical attributes in surgery at large is needed.
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8
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Hughes BD, Perone JA, Cummins CB, Sommerhalder C, Tyler DS, Bowen-Jallow KA, Radhakrishnan RS. Personality Testing May Identify Applicants Who Will Become Successful in General Surgery Residency. J Surg Res 2018; 233:240-248. [PMID: 30502254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of successful general surgical residents remains a challenging endeavor for program directors with a national attrition of approximately 20% per year. The Big 5 personality traits and the Grit Scale have been extensively studied in many industries, and certain traits are associated with professional or academic success. However, their utility in surgery resident selection is unknown. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of all categorical surgery residents (n = 34) at the University of Texas Medical Branch from 2015 to 2017. Current residents were classified into low performing (n = 12) or non-low performing (n = 22) based on residency performance and standardized test scores. Groups were assessed for differences in both conventional metrics used for selection and Big 5 and grit scores using bivariate analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Personality testing was administered to recent resident applicants (n = 81). Applicants were ranked using conventional application information. We then examined the applicants' personalities and their rank position with personality characteristics of non-low-performing residents to determine if there was any correlation. RESULTS The Big 5 personality test identified significantly higher extroversion, conscientiousness, and emotional stability scores in those residents classified as non-low performers. There was no significant difference in conventional metrics or in grit scores between non-low performers and low performers. Our final rank does not correlate well with personality traits of non-low performers. CONCLUSIONS The Big 5 test may prove to be a useful adjunct to the traditional residency application in identifying applicants who may become successful in general surgery residency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byron D Hughes
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Jennifer A Perone
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Claire B Cummins
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | | | - Douglas S Tyler
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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Symer MM, Abelson JS, Yeo HL, Sosa JA, Rosenthal MZ. The Surgical Personality: Does Surgery Resident Motivation Predict Attrition? J Am Coll Surg 2018; 226:777-783. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Jordan J, Linden JA, Maculatis MC, Hern HG, Schneider JI, Wills CP, Marshall JP, Friedman A, Yarris LM. Identifying the Emergency Medicine Personality: A Multisite Exploratory Pilot Study. AEM EDUCATION AND TRAINING 2018; 2:91-99. [PMID: 30051075 PMCID: PMC6001604 DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to understand the personality characteristics of emergency medicine (EM) residents and assess consistency and variations among residency programs. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of residents (N = 140) at five EM residency programs in the United States completed three personality assessments: the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI)-describing usual tendencies; the Hogan Development Survey (HDS)-describing tendencies under stress or fatigue; and the Motives, Values, and Preferences Inventory (MVPI)-describing motivators. Differences between EM residents and a normative population of U.S. physicians were examined with one-sample t-tests. Differences between EM residents by program were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance tests. RESULTS One-hundred forty (100%), 124 (88.6%), and 121 (86.4%) residents completed the HPI, HDS, and MVPI, respectively. For the HPI, residents scored lower than the norms on the adjustment, ambition, learning approach, inquisitive, and prudence scales. For the HDS, residents scored higher than the norms on the cautious, excitable, reserved, and leisurely scales, but lower on bold, diligent, and imaginative scales. For the MVPI, residents scored higher than the physician population norms on altruistic, hedonistic, and aesthetics scales, although lower on the security and tradition scales. Residents at the five programs were similar on 22 of 28 scales, differing on one of 11 scales of the HPI (interpersonal sensitivity), two of 11 scales of the HDS (leisurely, bold), and three of 10 scales of the MVPI (aesthetics, commerce, and recognition). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the personality characteristics of EM residents differ considerably from the norm for physicians, which may have implications for medical students' choice of specialty. Additionally, results indicated that EM residents at different programs are comparable in many areas, but moderate variation in personality characteristics exists. These results may help to inform future research incorporating personality assessment into the resident selection process and the training environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Jordan
- Department of Emergency MedicineDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLADepartment of Emergency MedicineHarbor‐UCLA Medical CenterTorranceCA
| | - Judith A. Linden
- Department of Emergency MedicineBoston University School of MedicineBoston Medical CenterBostonMA
| | | | - H. Gene Hern
- Department of Emergency MedicineUCSF School of MedicineOaklandCA
- Alameda Health System–Highland HospitalOaklandCA
| | - Jeffrey I. Schneider
- Department of Emergency MedicineBoston University School of MedicineBoston Medical CenterBostonMA
| | - Charlotte P. Wills
- Department of Emergency MedicineUCSF School of MedicineOaklandCA
- Alameda Health System–Highland HospitalOaklandCA
| | - John P. Marshall
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical CenterBrooklynNY
| | | | - Lalena M. Yarris
- Department of Emergency MedicineOregon Health and Science UniversityPortlandOR
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Sievert M, Zwir I, Cloninger KM, Lester N, Rozsa S, Cloninger CR. The influence of temperament and character profiles on specialty choice and well-being in medical residents. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2319. [PMID: 27651982 PMCID: PMC5018665 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple factors influence the decision to enter a career in medicine and choose a specialty. Previous studies have looked at personality differences in medicine but often were unable to describe the heterogeneity that exists within each specialty. Our study used a person-centered approach to characterize the complex relations between the personality profiles of resident physicians and their choice of specialty. METHODS 169 resident physicians at a large Midwestern US training hospital completed the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Clusters of personality profiles were identified without regard to medical specialty, and then the personality clusters were tested for association with their choice of specialty by co-clustering analysis. Life satisfaction was tested for association with personality traits and medical specialty by linear regression and analysis of variance. RESULTS We identified five clusters of people with distinct personality profiles, and found that these were associated with particular medical specialties Physicians with an "investigative" personality profile often chose pathology or internal medicine, those with a "commanding" personality often chose general surgery, "rescuers" often chose emergency medicine, the "dependable" often chose pediatrics, and the "compassionate" often chose psychiatry. Life satisfaction scores were not enhanced by personality-specialty congruence, but were related strongly to self-directedness regardless of specialty. CONCLUSIONS The personality profiles of physicians were strongly associated with their medical specialty choices. Nevertheless, the relationships were complex: physicians with each personality profile went into a variety of medical specialties, and physicians in each medical specialty had variable personality profiles. The plasticity and resilience of physicians were more important for their life satisfaction than was matching personality to the prototype of a particular specialty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Sievert
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis , Saint Louis , MO , United States
| | - Igor Zwir
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis , Saint Louis , MO , United States
| | | | - Nigel Lester
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis , Saint Louis , MO , United States
| | - Sandor Rozsa
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis , Saint Louis , MO , United States
| | - C Robert Cloninger
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Genetics, Washington University in St Louis , Saint Louis , MO , United States
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12
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Preece RA, Cope AC. Are Surgeons Born or Made? A Comparison of Personality Traits and Learning Styles Between Surgical Trainees and Medical Students. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2016; 73:768-773. [PMID: 27184178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Medical students and surgical trainees differ considerably in both their preferential learning styles and personality traits. This study compares the personality profiles and learning styles of surgical trainees with a cohort of medical students specifically intent on pursuing a surgical career. DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted contrasting surgical trainees with medical students specifying surgical career intent. The 50-item International Personality Item Pool Big-Five Factor Marker (FFM) questionnaire was used to score 5 personality domains (extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness to experience, and neuroticism). The 24-item Learning Style Inventory (LSI) Questionnaire was used to determine the preferential learning styles (visual, auditory, or tactile). χ(2) Analysis and independent samples t-test were used to compare LSI and FFM scores, respectively. SETTING Surgical trainees from several UK surgical centers were contrasted to undergraduate medical students. PARTICIPANTS A total of 53 medical students who had specifically declared desire to pursue a surgical career and were currently undertaking an undergraduate intercalated degree in surgical sciences were included and contrasted to 37 UK core surgical trainees (postgraduate years 3-4). RESULTS The LSI questionnaire was completed by 53 students and 37 trainees. FFM questionnaire was completed by 29 medical students and 34 trainees. No significant difference for learning styles preference was detected between the 2 groups (p = 0.139), with the visual modality being the preferred learning style for both students and trainees (69.8% and 54.1%, respectively). Neuroticism was the only personality trait to differ significantly between the 2 groups, with medical students scoring significantly higher than trainees (2.9 vs. 2.6, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Medical students intent on pursuing a surgical career exhibit similar personality traits and learning styles to surgical trainees, with both groups preferring the visual learning modality. These findings facilitate future research into potential ways of improving both the training and selection of students and junior trainees onto residency programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Preece
- Department of Surgery, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
| | - Alexandra C Cope
- Department of Surgery, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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13
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Drosdeck JM, Osayi SN, Peterson LA, Yu L, Ellison EC, Muscarella P. Surgeon and nonsurgeon personalities at different career points. J Surg Res 2015; 196:60-6. [PMID: 25818980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2015.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated correlations between personality traits and job performance and satisfaction. Evidence suggests that personality differences exist between surgeons and nonsurgeons, some of which may develop during medical training. Understanding these personality differences may help optimize job performance and satisfaction among surgical trainees and be used to identify individuals at risk of burnout. This study aims to identify personality traits of surgeons and nonsurgeons at different career points. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used The Big Five Inventory, a 44-item measure of the five factor model. Personality data and demographics were collected from responses to an electronic survey sent to all faculty and house staff in the Departments of Surgery, Medicine, and Family Medicine at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Data were analyzed to identify differences in personality traits between surgical and nonsurgical specialties according to level of training and to compare surgeons to the general population. RESULTS One hundred ninety-two house staff and faculty in surgery and medicine completed the survey. Surgeons scored significantly higher on conscientiousness and extraversion but lower on agreeableness compared to nonsurgeons (all P < 0.05). Surgery faculty scored lower in agreeableness compared with that of surgery house staff (P = 0.001), whereas nonsurgeon faculty scored higher on extraversion compared with that of nonsurgeon house staff (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS There appears to be inherent personality differences between surgical and nonsurgical specialties. The use of personality testing may be a useful adjunct in the residency selection process for applicants deciding between surgical and nonsurgical specialties. It may also facilitate early intervention for individuals at high risk for burnout and job dissatisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Drosdeck
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
| | - Sylvester N Osayi
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Laura A Peterson
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lianbo Yu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Peter Muscarella
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
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Rosenthal R, Schäfer J, Hoffmann H, Vitz M, Oertli D, Hahnloser D. Personality traits and virtual reality performance. Surg Endosc 2012; 27:222-30. [PMID: 22752282 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-012-2424-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgeons' personalities have been described as different from those of the general population, but this was based on small descriptive studies limited by the choice of evaluation instrument. Furthermore, although the importance of the human factor in team performance has been recognized, the effect of personality traits on technical performance is unknown. This study aimed to compare surgical residents' personality traits with those of the general population and to evaluate whether an association exists between their personality traits and technical performance using a virtual reality (VR) laparoscopy simulator. METHODS In this study, 95 participants (54 residents with basic, 29 with intermediate laparoscopic experience, and 12 students) underwent personality assessment using the NEO-Five Factor Inventory and performed five VR tasks of the Lap Mentor™ basic tasks module. The residents' personality traits were compared with those of the general population, and the association between VR performance and personality traits was investigated. RESULTS Surgical residents showed personality traits different from those of the general population, demonstrating lower neuroticism, higher extraversion and conscientiousness, and male residents showed greater openness. In the multivariable analysis, adjusted for gender and surgical experience, none of the personality traits was found to be an independent predictor of technical performance. CONCLUSIONS Surgical residents present distinct personality traits that differ from those of the general population. These traits were not found to be associated with technical performance in a virtual environment. The traits may, however, play an important role in team performance, which in turn is highly relevant for optimal surgical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Rosenthal
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Basel University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.
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