B. J. Goudreau1, T. E. Hassinger1, A. Schroen1, T. L. Hedrick1, C. L. Slingluff1, L. T. Dengel1 1University Of Virginia,General Surgery,Charlottesville, VA, USA
Introduction: Identifying factors that impact progression of surgical trainees into academic versus non-academic (community, private) practices may permit selecting residency candidates and tailoring residency experiences to promote academic careers.
Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed directly to surgeons graduating from a single academic institution from 1965-2016, excluding those currently in fellowship training or with inactive email addresses. Questions pertaining to practice type, research productivity, work-life balance, mentorship, and overall sentiment toward research and academic surgery were included. A five-point Likert scale measured responses on career satisfaction and influence of factors in practice setting choice. Responses were analyzed by academic versus non-academic practice settings.
Results: Of 147 survey recipients, 54 responded, 8 were ineligible (overall response rate= 37%). Of 46 with known current practice type, 29 are in academic (63%) and 17 in non-academic practice (37%). Compared to non-academic surgeons, academic surgeons are more likely to have participated in dedicated research time during training (86% vs 53%, p < 0.01), and reported more publications at the conclusion of training (58% with >10 publications vs.18%, p<0.01). 45% of academic surgeons reported >$100,00 in student debt at time of graduation compared to 29% of non-academic surgeons, though this difference was not noted to be statically significant. Factors encouraging an academic career were similar for both types of surgeons, including involvement in education of trainees and access to mentorship (Table 1). Both groups were discouraged from an academic practice by grant writing requirements and funding responsibilities. When queried as to professional satisfaction, 94% of all respondents (93% in academic practice and 88% in non-academic practice) reported they were satisfied or very satisfied professionally, and 88% would recommend surgery as a career to a current medical student (100% in academic practice, 67% in non-academic practice).
Conclusion: Surgeons, particularly those in academic practice, report high satisfaction rates with their career choices. Supporting funding mechanisms and grant writing programs while encouraging mentorship and participation in trainee education may encourage current surgical trainees to participate in academic medicine.
