[Course of the anaesthesiology and intensive care unit residents in Lorraine, France]

The anaesthesiology and intensive care physician demography is becoming critical in most French regions; more than 56% of the residents trained in Lorraine are leaving the area after they graduate.

A descriptive and retrospective survey was carried out. The aims of the research were threefold: to ascertain firstly, why residents chose Lorraine in the first instance, secondly their experiences of the training and thirdly their expectations. The target group consisted of 76 former anaesthesia residents dating back to 1996.

The response rate was 72.4%. Choosing Lorraine was based on its well-established teaching program (64%) and also on results achieved at National Medical Examination (85%). The academic medical training and working conditions were well-rated. A position was offered to 93% of the residents. Fifty-three percent stated having had previous work experience in the hospital as a decisive factor in taking up a position. By the end of the residency program, only 43.5% of anesthesia physicians remained in Lorraine; i.e., 79% were native to Lorraine and 25% born outside. Reasons given for leaving Nancy were: family (81%), more favourable climate (51%) and to go back to their region of origin (45%).

Desired improvements would be: better performance of the Lorraine born students at the National Medical Examination, earlier and well-defined job offers, better communication within the team and consideration of the family situation as a whole.