What becomes of junior surgical trainees? A review of Cardiff registrars 1973-1983.

ABSTRACT

A survey was conducted of doctors who trained as Rotating Surgical Registrars on the Cardiff Rotational Training Scheme between 1973 and 1983. 51 of 63 former registrars responded. All passed FRCS. 45 remained in surgery on leaving the rotation. 19 are now consultants, 12 senior registrars and 14 are still registrars in 8 different surgical specialties. Orthopaedics was the most popular. 6 doctors left surgery to become either general practitioners, radiologists or radiotherapists. Of the 12 non-responders it is known that at least 6 are surgeons (2 consultants, 2 senior registrars, 2 registrars). It is concluded that the Rotational Training Scheme successfully promoted surgical careers for the majority of trainees.