Attitudes and experiences during training and professional expectations in generation-y surgical residents

Residency programs, especially in surgery, have been undergoing constant changes. The profile of residents in surgical fields is changing too since residents are now part of the Generation Y (Millenials). This change in profile mandates a re-evaluation to adapt surgical residency programs. Six years ago, we carried out a study evaluating attitudes and experiences during training, and the professional expectations of residents. This study aims to survey surgical residents to evaluate current attitudes, experiences, and expectations.

We surveyed 50 residents to determine professional satisfaction, residency-program satisfaction, future expectations, financial expectations, and correct attitude towards patients.

Our results show that half of the residents are satisfied with the residency program. However, dissatisfaction reaches 40% on surgical volume and 80% on mentorship; 62% of the residents are not confident to perform operations after the residency, the majority believes a specialization is necessary; most residents believe financial compensation will decrease with time, but concerns with reimbursement are low; and most residents are worried about injuring patients, but only two thirds are satisfied working with patients.

Current residents present lower job satisfaction and more criticism of teaching techniques. These changes compared to previous results match the profile of Generation Y, who is more iconoclastic when compared to previous generations.