Background
New surgeons are faced with inadequate mentoring when first entering practice. Our
study examined challenges faced by young surgeons during their transition in practice
and their mentoring experience when entering practice.
Methods
An article-based survey was mailed in August 2019 to general, colorectal, vascular,
and cardiothoracic surgeons that became members of the American College of Surgeons
within the past 5 years.
Results
A total of 853 of 2,915 surveys were completed (29.3% response rate). Both female
(38%) and male (62%) surgeons participated. The 3 most common challenges during the
transition to practice were confidence building (26.0%), adjusting to a new institutional
culture (16.9%), and business and administrative aspects of practice (16.3%). First
job attrition rate 44.2%, with the mean duration of the first job being 3.28 ± 0.17
years. Nearly one-third (28.3%) of respondents were not mentored when they first entered
practice. The proportion of nonmentored young surgeons leaving their first job (64.3%)
was almost twice as that of surgeons who received mentoring (36.3%). Furthermore,
the mean duration of the first job was significantly shorter in nonmentored versus
mentored surgeons (3.16 ± 0.26 vs 3.76 ± 0.25 years; P < .05). A significant number (43.3%) of respondents reported a desire to be mentored
by retired surgeons.
Conclusion
Our survey highlights the importance of mentoring for young surgeons during their
transition into practice. With many young surgeons being enthusiastic about mentoring
by retired surgeons, specific programs are necessary to better use their expertise.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 28, 2020
Accepted:
November 28,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
