Choosing a pediatric surgery career: affecting factors and status assessment
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In brief
In brief
This cross-sectional survey of 121 pediatric surgeons in Türkiye examines factors influencing career selection, revealing significant gender and generational differences in specialty choice motivations, clinical exposure, and work-life balance outcomes. Key findings include higher female participation in operating rooms during training, generational shifts from clinic affinity to exam scores as decision drivers, and persistent workforce challenges including job dissatisfaction related to working conditions and compensation.
- Early clinical exposure matters: students who volunteered in clinics or participated in surgeries showed significantly higher recognition of pediatric surgery as a specialty.
- Career motivations differ by generation: Baby Boomers chose pediatric surgery for clinic affinity while Millennials prioritized exam scores and geographic location.
- Job satisfaction averages 6.8/10, with harsh working conditions and low income cited as primary sources of dissatisfaction among pediatric surgeons.
- Gender disparities persist: women had higher OR participation during training but lower marriage rates (59% vs 88%) and were more likely to be childless (55% vs 24%).
- Workforce sustainability requires improved training conditions, supportive work environments, and increased student involvement to attract future generations.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the factors influencing career choices in pediatric surgery with a focus on gender and generational differences in Türkiye.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey study was conducted. A questionnaire, consisting of 42 questions was developed and distributed to pediatric surgeons via email and other digital platforms.
Results
The study included 121 participants (72 males, 49 females). During clinical internships, the recognition score for pediatric surgery specialty was significantly higher among those who volunteered in clinics or participated in surgical procedures (p < 0.05). Females had higher operating room participation compared to males (51.4% vs. 69.4%, p < 0.05). For career choice reasons, Baby Boomers (1943–1960) cited “affinity towards a specific clinic” (53.6%), while Millennials (1982–2004) prioritized the “TUS score effect” (50%) and “program’s geographic location” (42.5%). Job satisfaction averaged 6.8/10, with dissatisfaction related to “harsh working conditions” and “low income.” Regarding marital status, 87.5% of men and 59.2% of women were married (p < 0.05). Additionally, 23.6% of men and 55.1% of women had no children (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Pediatric surgery faces persistent challenges across generations. mproving training conditions, creating a supportive work environment, and increasing student involvement in pediatric surgery practices are critical. Adjustments are needed for future Generation Z residents.