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Surgical trainees' attitudes to specialization in breast surgery
James Kollias1, Richard Rainsbury
1Breast Unit and Women's Health Centre, Royal Adelaide Hospital Cancer Centre, Adelaide University Department of Surgery, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. jkollias@mail.rah.sa.gov.au
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|July 17, 2003
Summary
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) trainees find breast surgery an unpopular subspecialty. Recruitment challenges are likely unless training aligns with trainee aspirations and needs.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Surgical Oncology
- Breast Surgery
Background:
- Subspecialization is increasingly encouraged within general surgery by professional societies.
- This study examines Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) trainees' attitudes toward surgical subspecialization, focusing on breast surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess RACS trainees' perceptions and interest in breast surgery as a subspecialty.
- To identify factors influencing trainees' career choices in surgical subspecialties.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire survey was distributed to RACS basic and advanced surgical trainees in February 2002.
- Trainees were asked about preferred specialties, interest in breast surgery, reasons for choices, and training preferences.
Main Results:
- 58% of trainees found breast subspecialization reasonable; however, only 4.8% preferred it as their first specialty.
- Deterrents for breast surgery included repetitive stress, litigation, and demanding patients (45%).
- Trainees interested in breast surgery preferred reconstruction and screening aspects, with limited interest in after-hours on-call duties.
Conclusions:
- Breast surgery is currently an unpopular subspecialty among RACS trainees.
- Addressing trainee aspirations and revising the skill base is crucial for future recruitment in breast surgery.