Choice of Surgical Sub-specialties among Surgical Residents in Nigeria

There are several reasons for the choice of surgical specialty among resident doctors in Nigeria AIM: To determine the choice of surgical subspecialty among Surgical residents and the reasons for such decision.

A cross-sectional study of Surgical residents who attended the West African College of Surgeons Update Course from 1st -13th September 2014 was conducted using a semi structured questionnaire. Information obtained included age, gender, marital status, designation (Registrar/Senior Registrar), training centers and choice of sub-specialty with reason(s). Collated information was analyzed with SPSS version 21.

A total of 226 Surgical Residents registered for the update course were given the questionnaires to fill. One hundred and sixty-three Residents filled the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 72%. There were 153 males and 10 females with male to female ratio of 15:1. One hundred and forty eight were Registrars while 15 were Senior Registrars. General surgery, Urology and Orthopaedic sub-specialties topped the list of choice among Surgical Residents. Interest, financial considerations and job satisfaction were the major reasons for the choice of sub-specialty.

The choice of surgical sub-specialty among Residents is guided mainly by interest, financial considerations and job satisfaction derivable from such specialty. General surgery, Urology, and Orthopaedic topped the list of choice of sub-specialty.