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Hertling SF, Back DA, Wildemann B, Schleußner E, Kaiser M, Graul I. Is student mentoring career-defining in surgical disciplines? A comparative survey among medical schools and medical students for mentoring programs. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1008509. [PMID: 36507512 PMCID: PMC9726918 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1008509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Facing a shortage of young surgeons, this study aimed to examine the availability of mentoring programs and if this can counteract this lack. Summary background data Medical mentoring programs have proven to be decisive to influence students' later career decisions. Since their structure may depend on the medical school and the effort of single disciplines, the offers are often very heterogeneous. Methods Anonymous online-questionnaires were developed and distributed among medical students in Germany and the dean for teaching of the medical schools from July 2019 to January 2020 in Germany. Data of the availability of mentoring programs, their structure and the impact of surgery were collected. Results Forty three medical schools participated, with 65% offering mentoring programs. 18 of medical schools had no additional funding available for this. Surgical subjects participated in these programs in only 30%. Additionally, 1,516 medical students participated in the second survey. A total of 70% had already participated in a mentoring program with a significantly higher proportion of men. Of these, 94% stated that this was helpful and had an impact on their career planning, without any gender differences. 95% would participate in structured surgical mentoring programs and 95% agreed that this could have an impact on their career planning. Conclusion Mentoring programs may be able to influence career planning, nevertheless participation by surgical specialties has been low. Becoming more active in providing mentoring programs with a special focus on women and offering more surgical content can be a way to counteract the lack of surgical trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Ferdinand Hertling
- Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany,Department of Orthopaedics, Jena University Hospital, Eisenberg, Germany,*Correspondence: Stefan Ferdinand Hertling, ; orcid.org/0000-0001-5815-7498
| | - David Alexander Back
- Dieter Scheffner Center for Medical Education and Educational Research, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Britt Wildemann
- Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Mario Kaiser
- Module Integration Optics, Jenoptik Light and Optics Division, Jena, Germany
| | - Isabel Graul
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jena University Hospital, Eisenberg, Germany,Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
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Abstract
BACKGROUND In Brazil, most medical schools do not offer trauma surgery in their undergraduate curriculum. The Trauma Leagues arose in Brazil as an important promoter of trauma education and stimulated activities related to surgical skills and practices. In recent decades, studies have demonstrated that the number of surgical residency applicants has decreased worldwide. Strategies to motivate medical students to choose surgery are needed. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of participation in the Unicamp Trauma League (UTL) during a 20-year period in the choice for a surgical career. METHODS The study included 276 students in a Brazilian university hospital who were part of the Trauma League. Research of records in universities and medical societies about the specialties chosen during residency were evaluated. A Likert questionnaire was sent to participants to evaluate the impact of participating in the Trauma League in the student's professional career. RESULTS The questionnaire was answered by 76% of the participants. Of those, 38.4% chose general surgery. About 55.1% did not know what medical career to choose when joined the league. Participation in the league had an influence on specialty choice in 79.1% of the students. Of those choosing surgery, 93.2% believed that participating in the league had positively influenced their career choice. Overall, 93.1% believed that participating in the league provided knowledge and information that the medical school curriculum was not able to provide. CONCLUSION Participation in Trauma League has been an effective strategy to encourage medical students to choose a career in general surgery in Campinas, Brazil.
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Grasreiner D, Dahmen U, Settmacher U. Specialty preferences and influencing factors: a repeated cross-sectional survey of first- to sixth-year medical students in Jena, Germany. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2018; 18:103. [PMID: 29743057 PMCID: PMC5944057 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1200-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the expected increase in those entering retirement, the number of practising physicians is predicted to decrease. Conversely, the number of physicians needed is set to increase, due to higher demands resulting from the increasing average age of the German population. This may cause a deficit in the availability and accessibility of medical care for the population in Germany, as well as in other countries. As such, there needs to be a specific focus on the next generation of physicians. Will they fill the gap in those medical specialties where it is most needed? This study aims to investigate (a) preferences for medical specialties over time and (b) the reasoning behind these preferences among students. METHODS Over three subsequent years, all medical students from the Jena Faculty of Medicine were repeatedly invited to participate in an online survey. The questionnaire consisted of three parts to explore the students' (1) preferred postgraduate specialty, (2) the reasons for their decision and (3) socio-demographic data. Data analysis was performed using Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The number of students completing the questionnaire in a given year ranged from 180 to 320, resulting in a total number of 720 completed questionnaires. Between 40 and 50% of the students preferred internal medicine as postgraduate specialty. About 25% of the students were interested in a surgical specialty. Diagnostics and psychiatric medical fields were preferred by about 10% of all students for each field in each year of the survey. A large percentage (about 18%) of the students remained undecided. The factors influencing the students' specialty preferences were most frequently reconciliation of work and family life, career goals as well as predicted workload. The factors depended on the preferred medical specialty. CONCLUSION The influencing factors should be taken into account for recruiting prospective residents. Doing so could increase the chance to attract the number of physicians needed to ensure adequate medical care in the field of interest, according to the growing health needs of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Grasreiner
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Experimentelle Transplantationschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Drackendorfer Str. 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Uta Dahmen
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Experimentelle Transplantationschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Drackendorfer Str. 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Utz Settmacher
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
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Peel JK, Schlachta CM, Alkhamesi NA. A systematic review of the factors affecting choice of surgery as a career. Can J Surg 2018; 61:58-67. [PMID: 29368678 PMCID: PMC5785290 DOI: 10.1503/cjs.008217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interest in surgical careers among medical students has declined over the past decade. Multiple explanations have been offered for why top students are deterred or rejected from surgical programs, though no consensus has emerged. METHODS We conducted a review of the literature to better characterize what factors affect the pursuit of a surgical career. We searched PubMed and EMBASE and performed additional reference checks. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Newcastle-Ottawa Education scores were used to evaluate the included data. RESULTS Our search identified 122 full-text, primary articles. Analysis of this evidence identified 3 core concepts that impact surgical career decision-making: gender, features of surgical education, and student "fit" in the culture of surgery. CONCLUSION Real and perceived gender discrimination has deterred female medical students from entering surgical careers. In addition, limited exposure to surgery during medical school and differences between student and surgeon personality traits and values may deter students from entering surgical careers. We suggest that deliberate and visible effort to include women and early-career medical students in surgical settings may enhance their interest in carreers in surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K. Peel
- From the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Peel); and Canadian Surgical Technologies and Advanced Robotics (CSTAR), London Health Sciences Centre and Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ont. (Schlachta, Alkhamesi)
| | - Christopher M. Schlachta
- From the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Peel); and Canadian Surgical Technologies and Advanced Robotics (CSTAR), London Health Sciences Centre and Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ont. (Schlachta, Alkhamesi)
| | - Nawar A. Alkhamesi
- From the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Peel); and Canadian Surgical Technologies and Advanced Robotics (CSTAR), London Health Sciences Centre and Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ont. (Schlachta, Alkhamesi)
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Bauer F, Koerdt S, Rommel N, Wolff KD, Kesting MR, Weitz J. Reconstruction of facial defects with local flaps--a training model for medical students? Head Face Med 2015; 11:30. [PMID: 26334642 PMCID: PMC4558823 DOI: 10.1186/s13005-015-0087-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The lack of surgeons will be a future major problem in patient care for multifaceted reasons. Niche specialties such as OMFS face an additional drawback because of the need for dual qualification. Special surgical training that gives students the opportunity to gain experience in the techniques of plastic-reconstructive surgery (PRS) has therefore been established to promote interest in OMFS. Methods Two hands-on courses with 8 modules of 2 h for 10 students were established. Course modules included surgical techniques of PRS, such as local flaps in a complex facial defect on pig heads, and were supervised by two OMFS surgeons. The identical initial and final tests examined theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Questionnaires concerning basic demographic data, future career goals, and perception of surgical disciplines before and after the completion of the course were handed out. Results The 19 participating students (12 female, 7 male; median age 24 ± 2.24) were in their 8.31 ± 1.20 semester. Results of the tests showed improvement in knowledge following the courses (before 52.68 ± 12.64 vs. after 77.89 ± 11.37; p < 0.05). Based on the Likert scale, an increase in interest in a career in OFMS was observed (3.90 ± 1.18 vs. 2.72 ± 1.33; p < 0.05), but this was not so marked with regard to a career in a surgical discipline in general (1.93 ± 1.30 vs. 1.62 ± 1.19; p > 0.05). Perception of OMFS as a surgical discipline changed (3.68 ± 1.09 vs. 1.80 ± 0.64; p < 0.05). The following values also changed: students´ perception of PRS in OMFS (14 (74.68 %) vs. 5 (25.32 %); 19 (100 %) vs. 0 (0 %)), evaluation of PRS as a study subject for medical students (7 (36.84 %) vs. 12 (63.16 %); 19 (100 %) vs. 0 (0 %)), and the interest in an OMFS elective subject (6 (31.58 %) vs. 13 (68.42 %); 18 (94.74 %) vs. 1 (5.26 %)) and as a final clinical year subject (4 (21.05 %) vs. 15 (78.95 %); 14 (73.68 %) vs. 5 (26.32 %)). Conclusions Hands-on courses with complex facial defects can be used to gain new professionals, even in niche specialties such as OMFS. Moreover, a hands-on course design, including innovative teaching methods and structured objective tests combined with a close student-teacher relationship and motivated instructors, is able to promote complex surgical skills in PRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Bauer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Steffen Koerdt
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Niklas Rommel
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Klaus-Dietrich Wolff
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Marco R Kesting
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Jochen Weitz
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstrasse 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Career choices of today's medical students: where does surgery rank? Ir J Med Sci 2012; 182:337-43. [PMID: 23242574 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-012-0882-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The national junior doctor recruitment crisis prompts an appraisal of medical student attitudes to different career pathways. The purpose of this study was to perform a national review of surgical career intentions of Irish final year medical students. METHODS Ethical and institutional approval was obtained at each study location. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to final year students. Domains assessed included demographics, career plans and reasons associated. Anonymised responses were collated and evaluated. Categorical data were compared with Fisher's exact test. RESULTS Responses were obtained from 342 students in four medical schools of whom 78.6% were undergraduates. Over half (53%) were Irish, with Malaysia, Canada and the USA the next most common countries of origin. Only 18% of students intended to pursue surgery, with 60% stating they did not plan to, and 22% undecided. Of those who plan not to pursue surgery, 28% were unsure about a speciality but the most common choices were medicine (39%), general practice (16%) and paediatrics (8%). Reasons for not picking a career in surgery included long hours and the unstructured career path. Suggestions to improve uptake included earlier and more practical exposure to surgery, improved teaching/training and reduction in working hours. CONCLUSIONS In this study 18% of final year medical students identified surgery as their chosen career pathway. Although lifestyle factors are significant in many students' decision, perceived quality and duration of surgical training were also relevant and are modifiable factors which, if improved could increase interest in surgery as a career.
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