Current Training Status of Neurosurgical Residents in South Korea: A Nationwide Multicenter Survey

Survey on Training Satisfaction among German Neurosurgical Trainees

BACKGROUND

 There has been a fivefold increase of neurosurgeons over the last three decades in Germany, despite a lesser increase in operations. Currently, there are approximately 1,000 neurosurgical residents employed at training hospitals. Little is known about the overall training experience and career opportunities for these trainees.

METHODS

 In our role as resident representatives, we implemented a mailing list for interested German neurosurgical trainees. Thereafter, we created a survey including 25 items to assess the trainees' satisfaction with their training and their perceived career prospects, which we then distributed through the mailing list. The survey was open from April 1 until May 31 2021.

RESULTS

 Ninety trainees were enrolled in the mailing list and we received 81 completed responses to our survey. Overall, 47% of the trainees were very dissatisfied or dissatisfied with their training. Sixty-two percent of the trainees reported a lack of surgical training. Fifty-eight percent of trainees found it difficult to attend courses or classes and only 16% had consistent mentoring. There was an expressed desire for a more structured training program and mentoring projects. In addition, 88% of trainees were willing to relocate for fellowships outside their current hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

 Half of the responders were dissatisfied with their neurosurgical training. There are various aspects that require improvement, such as the training curriculum, structured mentoring, and reduction of the amount of administrative work. We propose the implementation of a modernized structured curriculum, which addresses the mentioned aspects, in order to improve neurosurgical training and, consecutively, patient care.

Academic Future of Interventional Radiology Subspecialty: Are We Giving Enough Space to Radiology Trainees?

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate willingness and barriers to academic activities of radiology trainees interested in interventional radiology subspecialty.

Materials and methods

Radiology trainees and fellows were called to participate a 35-question survey via online platforms and radiological societies. The research survey investigated on involvement in academic activities, willingness of a future academic career, and challenges for pursuing an academic career. Research participants interested in interventional radiology were selected for analysis. Analyses were performed by using either Fisher's exact or chi-square tests.

Results

Of 892 respondents to the survey, 155 (17.4%) (112/155, 72.3% men and 43/155, 27.7% women) declared interest in interventional radiology. Active involvement in research and teaching was reported by 53.5% (83/155) and 30.3% (47/155) of the participants, respectively. The majority is willing to work in an academic setting in the future (66.8%, 103/155) and to perform a research fellowship abroad (83.9%, 130/155). Insufficient time was the greatest perceived barrier for both research and teaching activities (49.0% [76/155] and 48.4% [75/155], respectively), followed by lack of mentorship (49.0% [75/155] and 35.5% [55/155], respectively) and lack of support from faculty (40.3% [62/155] and 37.4% [58/155], respectively).

Conclusion

Our international study shows that most trainees interested in interventional radiology subspecialty actively participate in research activities and plan to work in an academic setting. However, insufficient time for academia, mentorship, and support from seniors are considered challenges in pursuing an academic career.