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Career Outcomes Among Neurosurgery Resident Graduates in Canada: An Update
Lior M Elkaim1, Farbod Niazi2, Michael K Tso3
1Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Summary
Many Canadian neurosurgery graduates face underemployment and difficulty finding full-time positions in Canada post-residency. This study highlights concerning career outcomes for Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada neurosurgery graduates.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery Training and Career Outcomes
- Medical Education Research
Background:
- Graduates from Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) neurosurgery programs encounter significant employment challenges.
- A substantial proportion of Canadian neurosurgery residents face difficulties securing full-time positions after completing their training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the career outcomes of neurosurgery residents from Canadian programs.
- To identify predictors of full-time employment among recent neurosurgery graduates.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 106 RCPSC neurosurgery graduates from 2015-2020 was analyzed.
- Baseline characteristics were stratified by employment status.
- Logistic regression models identified predictors of full-time employment.
Main Results:
- 26.4% of graduates were underemployed (locum, multiple fellowships, career change).
- Only 52.0% secured full-time employment in Canada; 30.2% were in academic roles.
- Skull-base/vascular and general neurosurgery fellowships correlated with underemployment.
Conclusions:
- Over a quarter of recent Canadian neurosurgery graduates experienced underemployment.
- Nearly half of graduates did not secure employment within Canada.
- Findings indicate a need for action within the Canadian neurosurgery community regarding resident career pathways.
