Attracting medical students and doctors into surgical training in the UK and Ireland.

AIMS: Core surgical training (CST) programmes in the UK have seen a significant reduction in competition ratios over the past five years. This study aimed to determine motivating factors and perceived barriers to pursuing a career in surgery amongst junior doctors in training and medical students attending an annual conference. METHODS: A self-reported, electronic questionnaire was distributed to medical students, foundation year doctors, and doctors in postgraduate surgical training programmes (DIPST) who attended the Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) Conference in 2016. Respondents ranked factors attracting them to a career in surgery and factors that could improve perceptions of surgical careers. Chi-square test was used to test for differences between groups (a = 0.05, R Studio, V3.3.1). RESULTS: Of 394 respondents (response rate = 50.9%), 44.9% were medical students or foundation doctors ('Pre-CST') and 55.1% were DIPST ('Peri/post-CST'). Practical application of skills (97.4%), enjoyment of the theatre environment (95.4%) and positive experiences in surgical firms (84.7%) were primary driving factors towards a surgical career. Availability of private practice (32.2%), and sustainability of consultant jobs (49.0%) had less influence. For 'Pre-CST' respondents, role models (82.8% pre-CST v 74.9% peri-post CST, p < 0.05) and defined career progression (67.2% pre-CST v 47.0% peri-post CST, p < 0.001) were particularly important. 91% of all respondents agreed that a better balance of training and service within worked hours would improve perceptions of surgery. CONCLUSION: Addressing the motivating factors and perceived barriers to surgical careers will help bolster recruitment of the future surgical workforce.

Nurturing Excellence: Association of Surgeons in Training Annual Conference 2018 Edinburgh.

The Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT)'s motto is the pursuit of excellence in surgical training. The Association provides support to surgical trainees throughout the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Originally founded in 1976, ASiT is independent of the National Health Service (NHS), Surgical Royal Colleges, and specialty associations. The 2018 Annual Conference in Edinburgh hosted over 800 delegates for a packed educational weekend. The conference theme was #nurturingexcellence and focused on helping trainees achieve their potential and improve surgical care. The importance of support for diversity in surgery was emphasised. An inclusive approach was fostered with a baby feeding room and a clear message that babies were welcome at the conference. Debates on the role of simulation in surgical training, sessions on reflective practice and the improving surgical training programme and a question and answer session with the presidents of the Royal colleges of surgeons made for lively and at times heated discussions. The weekend started with pre-conference courses covering a diverse range of topics including core laparoscopic, vascular, orthopaedics, neurosurgical skills, leadership, NOTSS and global surgery. Over 1000 abstract submissions were received and there were over 30 prize winning submissions. ASiT continues to grow and we look forward to an even larger and more successful international conference next year in Belfast 22nd-24th March, with an exciting parallel Hackathon to foster cross specialty cooperation to solve surgical problems.