Attitudes and risk of withdrawal in general surgical registrars.

AIMS

To determine the risk of withdrawal from training of Australian and New Zealand general surgical registrars, and to investigate factors associated with increased risk.

METHODS

An invitation to participate in an online survey was distributed to all Australian and New Zealand general surgical registrars by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

RESULTS

142 of 550 (26%) participants completed the survey. Overall, 54% (n=77) of respondents had considered leaving surgical training. Female trainees were significantly more likely to consider leaving training compared to males (65% vs 47%, p=0.036, OR 2.1). Respondents who studied in Australia or New Zealand, compared to overseas, were also significantly more likely to consider leaving surgical training (59% vs 35%, p=0.023, OR 2.7). The most common reason for potential withdrawal was poor lifestyle and quality of life during surgical training. Trainees at risk of withdrawal felt less supported, less satisfied with teaching and less confident in their operative skills.

CONCLUSION

Female and locally-trained general surgical registrars are at a higher risk of withdrawal during their training programme for a number of reasons. At risk trainees are also less satisfied with their programme.