The influence of debt, moonlighting, practice, oversupply and gender on career development of residents in university and independent training programs.

A survey of chief residents in general surgery was conducted to evaluate debt and moonlighting, planned practice characteristics, the influence of oversupply and gender. Debt and moonlighting were closely related. The latter also correlated statistically with the perceived oversupply of general surgeons. Most residents planned to practice in a suburban area, in a community or university affiliated hospital with some teaching responsibilities. General surgeons were those more likely to choose a rural area, a community hospital and no teaching responsibilities. Subspecialists were those more likely to choose an urban area, a university hospital and a complete teaching environment. Two-thirds of residents thought there was an oversupply of general surgeons. They were more likely to take fellowships, especially those in transplantation, vascular, trauma, oncologic and colorectal surgery. Women represented less than 10 per cent of chief residents. They differed from men in the types of fellowships chosen, moonlighting activity and interest in teaching.