Recent Trends in Neurosurgery Career Outcomes in Canada

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery Training
• Medical Education
• Career Outcomes

Background:

• Anecdotal evidence suggests Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) neurosurgery trainees face employment challenges.
• This study investigates employment status, research, and fellowship choices among Canadian neurosurgery residents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the employment status of neurosurgery trainees in Canada.
• To identify factors associated with securing full-time employment post-residency.

Main Methods:

• Included 143 RCPSC neurosurgery trainees from 1998-2008 residency cohorts.
• Used Fisher's exact test to assess associations between residency completion year, research, fellowship, and career outcomes.

Main Results:

• In 2015, 60% of trainees had permanent Canadian positions; 12% were underemployed.
• Underemployment occurred in 20% within 5 years post-residency.
• In-folded research (MSc, PhD, >1 year) significantly correlated with full employment (94% vs. 73%, p=0.011).

Conclusions:

• Underemployment is a significant issue for Canadian neurosurgery trainees.
• Pursuit of in-folded research is associated with better employment outcomes.
• Fellowship training did not show a significant association with obtaining full employment.