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Exploring residents' interest and career aspirations in global surgery.

Authors :
Johnston PF
Scholer A
Bailey JA
Peck GL
Aziz S
Sifri ZC
Source :
The Journal of surgical research [J Surg Res] 2018 Aug; Vol. 228, pp. 112-117. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Apr 05.
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Background: Surgical residents increasingly seek global surgery (GS) experiences during training. Understanding their motives and goals is important to develop the optimal educational programs. A survey for surgical residents was developed to explore this interest.<br />Materials and Methods: A survey administered in 2016 to residents in three surgical programs within the same academic institution assessed interest, prior global health experience, preferred training opportunities, and career goals in GS.<br />Results: Seventy-four surgical residents responded (78%) with 82% expressing interest in GS and 86% motivated by a desire for volunteerism. International electives (65%) and volunteer missions (49%) were the preferred experiences during residency over longer commitments such as advanced degrees. A majority of residents planned to incorporate GS into their career (76%) most commonly by volunteering on missions (70%) with a smaller group aiming for a career in GS (13%). Residents with prior global health experience (n = 27, 36%) showed greater interest in GS (96% versus 72%, P = 0.02) and a commitment after residency (93% versus 68%, P = 0.02), and trended toward greater interest in GS careers (22% versus 6%, P = 0.06).<br />Conclusions: Institutional interest in GS remains high among surgical residents, motivated primarily by a desire for volunteerism. Following training, most residents plan to participate in short-term volunteer commitments, though a small group envisions GS as part of their long-term career goals. Prior global health experience is associated with interest in GS both in the present and long term. Providing these experiences early may be a strategy to support academic interest.<br /> (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1095-8673
Volume :
228
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
The Journal of surgical research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
29907199
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2018.02.056