Related Experiment Videos
Why do students choose careers in surgery?
Jacquelyn K O'Herrin1, Barbara J Lewis, Layton F Rikkers
1University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|May 18, 2004
Summary
Third-year surgical clerkships significantly influence medical students' career choices. Positive experiences like operative participation and interaction with residents/faculty increase interest in surgical residencies, while long work hours decrease it.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Career Development
Background:
- Medical education reforms prioritize primary care, potentially reducing surgical residency applicants.
- The third-year surgical clerkship is a critical period for influencing students' career decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of third-year surgical clerkship experiences on medical students' choice of surgical residencies.
- To identify factors within the clerkship that positively or negatively influence career selection.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed third-year medical students pre- and post-surgical clerkship (2001-02 academic year).
- Analyzed survey responses and correlated them with 2003 residency match results.
- Achieved a 98% response rate for the survey.
Main Results:
- Pre-clerkship, 7% of students were interested in surgery; post-clerkship, 40% showed increased interest.
- Key positive influences included case participation (95%), resident interaction (85%), and faculty interaction (80%).
- Long work hours (call, rounds) were the primary factor associated with decreased interest in surgery.
Conclusions:
- Operative exposure and positive interactions with residents and faculty enhance interest in surgical careers.
- Despite curriculum changes, quality clerkship experiences are vital for attracting students to surgery.
- Work hours are a significant deterrent for pursuing surgical residencies.