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Selection of neurosurgical trainees
1Dept. of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Medical School, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Summary
Key personal attributes like honesty and motivation are crucial for neurosurgical careers. While some skills can be taught, core traits like willingness to learn and stress management must be assessed early in training.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Education
- Professional Development
Background:
- Neurosurgical training selection in Canada traditionally relies on academic performance, references, and interviews.
- Academic marks alone are insufficient predictors of success in neurosurgical practice.
- Personal skills and attributes, assessed via references and interviews, may be more critical for success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the importance of personal skills and attitudes for neurosurgical training.
- To determine the teachability of these essential personal skills and attitudes.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 185 Canadian Neurosurgical Society members.
- Respondents rated the importance and teachability of 22 personal skills and attributes.
- Additional important skills and their teachability were solicited.
Main Results:
- Sixty-six (36%) surveys were returned.
- The top five identified characteristics were honesty, motivation, willingness to learn, problem-solving ability, and stress management.
- Neurosurgeons believed problem-solving, consultation, critical thinking, manual dexterity, and communication were teachable; honesty, motivation, willingness to learn, and stress management were not.
Conclusions:
- Honesty, motivation, willingness to learn, problem-solving, and stress management are vital for neurosurgical career success.
- These traits should be communicated to medical students during career development events.
- Selection processes, including references and interviews, must assess inherent personal skills, as untrainable attributes are essential from the outset.