Abstract
Aim
Literature has argued for the ‘surgical personality’. Characteristics of ‘successful’ orthopaedic surgeons have also been published. The aim of the study is to explore which factors influence career choice of trauma and orthopaedics (T&O) in medical students, and whether certain personalities are drawn to T&O.
Methods
The survey was sent out by email to surgical society members by the surgical societies based in Cardiff, UK. The survey was completed by students interested in pursuing T&O. The survey required participants to complete the 16 personalities test. The survey explored which factors drew delegates to T&O.
Results
19 responded. 58%(11) were female and 42%(8) male. 53%(10) of the students were classed as the ‘diplomat’ personality. 37%(7) were ‘sentinel’. 10%(2) were ‘analysts’. None had the ‘explorer’ personality. 79%(15) students stated that it was the exposure at medical school that has influenced their choice to pursue T&O. Other factors included role models (67% n=12), academic interests (63% n=12) and career opportunities (67% n=12). The factors that deterred students most from orthopaedics were work life balance (31.6% n=6), attitude of seniors (26.3% n=5) and stereotypes (26.3% n=5).
Conclusion
Medical students with ‘diplomat’ or ‘sentinel’ personalities may be more drawn to T&O. Our study has found that the top three factors that influence the choice of T&O are: role models, exposure at medical school and academic interests. The top three factors that deter students are: work life balance, attitude of seniors and stereotypes. Further research is required to explore these factors in detail, to enable use of this knowledge in attracting more students into T&O.
