[Good surgeons need a balance]

The shortage of residents in orthopedic and trauma surgery cannot be denied. To identify the background and possible solutions, a survey was conducted among physicians at all levels of expertise.

What are the current expectations towards the professional life, particularly of resident doctors? What are the possibilities to realize them in traumatology and orthopedic surgery?

An evaluation of the annual survey 2022 of the Young Forum of the Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery Association (Junges Forum O und U) was carried out, including an analysis of the questions and research relevant to the topic on further ways to achieve a balance in the medical profession.

Of the resident doctor respondents 76% were open to working part-time and 85% rated the possibility of working remotely as easing the burden. Over half of the respondents spent some time during a residency abroad or would be open to doing so.

The vast majority of young residents expect a promising future for modern working models, where working part-time and working remotely play a role, as do stays abroad. By taking these wishes seriously and pursuing them, it would be possible to recruit new personnel or at least retain those who are already present.