Academic Background of Irish Orthopaedic Trainees

Introduction Academic achievement may be used to distinguish between trainees in competition for training or consultant posts. This study aimed to quantify the academic achievement among orthopaedic trainees in Ireland. Methods A web-based questionnaire was distributed to all trainees on the Irish Trauma and Orthopaedics specialist training programme. Questions included current year of training and attainment of higher degrees, publications, grants and prizes. Results Thirty-eight of 51 trainees completed the questionnaire (74%). All had commenced or completed a higher degree, more frequently a taught programme among ST3 and ST4 trainees and research based among the more senior years. Thirty-five (69%) had at least one peer-reviewed publication at the time of appointment. All continued some research activity. A majority aspire to a predominantly clinical career. Discussion Levels of academic achievement remain high among Irish orthopaedic trainees. Although junior trainees have fewer publications at appointment, all continue research on the training programme.