[Orthopaedics' megalomania - myth or mobbing?]

Area of Science:

• Medical Specialties
• Surgical Training
• Psychology in Medicine

Background:

• A common perception suggests orthopaedic surgeons possess greater intellect and self-confidence compared to other medical specialists.
• This study aimed to objectively assess the self-confidence levels of orthopaedic surgeons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the self-confidence of orthopaedic surgeons against non-orthopaedic doctors.
• To investigate the self-perceived surgical skills among orthopaedic surgeons.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 120 orthopaedic surgeons and 416 doctors from 30 other specialities.
• Participants completed the General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale.
• Orthopaedic surgeons additionally rated their perceived surgical abilities.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in General Self-Efficacy scores was found between orthopaedic surgeons and other medical doctors (p = 0.58).
• A high percentage of young orthopaedic surgeons (98%) rated their surgical talent as average or above average compared to peers.
• A notable proportion of young orthopaedic surgeons felt their skills surpassed those of more senior colleagues and believed patients might benefit from their operating.
• Orthopaedic surgeons were more likely than non-orthopaedics to perceive their specialty as undervalued (p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Orthopaedic surgeons, as a group, do not possess higher self-confidence than other doctors or the general population.
• Young orthopaedic surgeons exhibit a markedly high level of self-confidence regarding their operative skills.