Influence of the Teaching Hospital Environment on Plastic Surgery Residents' Academic Interest and Career Aspirations: Insights from France.

BACKGROUND

Plastic surgery residency training in France presents unique challenges and opportunities, with a highly competitive environment and a growing demand for academic plastic surgeons. Understanding the factors influencing residents' career decisions is essential for optimizing training programs and fostering academic interest.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire comprising 14 questions distributed via RedCAP between January and June 2023. The study included all residents and young attendings in all 21 French University Hospital Centers nationwide, from year 1 to postgraduate year 2.

RESULTS

Among 204 contacted participants, 106 responses were obtained. All responses were complete. First-year residents represented 9.4% of respondents, whereas residents in the "deepening" and "consolidation phases" represented 41.5% and 25.6%, respectively. Senior residents such as "junior doctors" and young attendings represented 25.5% of survey respondents. Although most residents expressed interest in private practice, mentorship from academic surgeons emerged as a significant influencer toward academic pursuits. Despite the prevalence of academic mentors (38% of identified mentors), a discrepancy was found between perceived academic orientation and actual research opportunities, indicating a need for improved awareness and exposure to academic possibilities during residency. Financial considerations, including salary differentials and job security, also seemed to play a substantial role in career decision-making.

CONCLUSIONS

Cultivating a deeper understanding of academic careers' multifaceted nature and enhancing the appeal of academic pursuits are essential for nurturing the next generation of academic plastic surgeons. It is hoped that this study will help enhance the appeal of academic vocations in plastic surgery residents.