[Academic clinical medicine in orthopedic and trauma surgery: which route will the next generation choose?].

BACKGROUND

An increasing clinical pressure forces academic surgeons in Germany to decide between private life and research activities. How do those people decide and how do they develop their individual career plan?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In an e-mail survey German orthopedic and trauma surgeons were interviewed on their way of reconciliation of private life, clinical duties and research. The survey included the same questions as the previous survey and a follow-up of 66 % was achieved.

RESULTS

The number of consultants in the questioned cohort increased from 44 % to 66 %. More than 80 % reported that the workload had increased which was accompanied by a more clinical orientation of research activities. When asked about personal priorities and wishes leisure time was ranked first, surgical skills, research and income followed in that order. The majority were content with the current situation and career path.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study on occupational conditions in orthopedic and trauma surgeons in a time-line based manner. It became evident that a more clinical orientation of research is needed to match the interests of clinically engaged surgeons in orthopedics and traumatology.