Abstract
Background: Cardiothoracic (CT) surgery is a dynamic and demanding
specialty, which is popular amongst medical students thus, posing as a
favourable career choice for many. However, there is a significant
proportion of medical students who prefer to choose other specialities
instead, for different reasons.
Aim of the study: This review aims to identify factors affecting the
uptake of cardiothoracic surgery as a career by medical students, junior
doctors and trainees globally.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed,
EMBASE, SCOPUS and CINAHL using specific keywords including
“cardiothoracic surgery” AND “medical student” AND “career”.
Inclusion and exclusion criteria were also developed to ensure only
relevant studies were used for the paper. Information on the
perspectives, knowledge, and beliefs on cardiothoracic surgery amongst
medical students and trainee doctors worldwide was collected.
Results: Most data was sourced from UK and US-based studies with only a
minority of literature from other parts of the world. Uptake of
cardiothoracic surgery amongst medical students, junior doctors and
trainees is generally low, on a global level. Deterring factors
identified from this review included work-life balance, professional
satisfaction, lifestyle, and family planning, the latter being
especially important for female medical students.
Conclusion: Although job posts are still being filled, the increasing
numbers of medical students losing interest in a career in
cardiothoracic surgery needs to be addressed. Areas of future research
into this area would be to re-assess medical school curricula and
opportunities to engage more in the field whilst at medical school and
beyond.
Key Words: perception, interest, career, cardiothoracic
surgery, medical students, trainees