WHY CHOOSE A CAREER IN SURGERY?

NTIRENGANYA Faustin, MD, Mmed, MCS, DIU

Tech Chir, DUCC
General Surgeon
Breast, Onco-Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
UNIVERSITY Of RWANDA
CHU Kigali/Rwanda

BACKGROUND

Interest in both general surgery and surgical

subspecialties has been declining among medical
students worldwide.
Studies have shown that a student's desire to practise
surgery is largely determined before entry into medical
school.

20% of medical students will have surgery as their

first choice

BACKGROUND CONTD
Factors that influence a student's interest in pursuing
a surgical career have been identified in large studies:
- Sex: Male >>> Female
- Age: Younger >>> advanced in age
-Maritus status: Single >>> Married
-Lifestyle: Less influenced by medical LS >>> More
influenced
-Character: Hospital oriented >>>> social oriented

WHY SURGERY?

JOB SATISFACTION

>90% of graduating surgical residents who are in

the job market for a general surgery job state
that they would choose surgery again if they had
to do it all over.

Surgeons rated higher satisfaction than

internists in job, career, and specialty
satisfaction

JOB SATISFACTION

Surgeons more satisfied than physicians

regarding their relationship with patients and
personal time
More likely to recommend their specialty to
students seeking advice

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

80% of residents seeking a surgical position

report obtaining their most desired position

Workforce shortages in a variety of surgical

subspecialties mean more job opportunities for
graduates

JOB FLEXIBILITY

>25% of Surgeons (as opposed to 14% of all other

specialties) have worked part time at some point
in their career
Multiple types of jobs offered ranging from parttime to more demanding hours

SERVING THE UNDERSERVED

Surgery is the neglected stepchild by health
policy makers
In Rwanda, less than 50 practicing surgeons for
more than 12 M of people
10-30% of disease burden are amenable to cure
by surgery
Rewarding career : personal and family
satisfaction, job security, prestige etc

SURGICAL TRAINING

4-5 year training

Inpatient
Outpatient clinic
General and subspecialty exposure
ICU
OR
Lectures

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

General Surgery
Orthopedics
Urology
Neurosurgery
Soon: Plastic surgery

SUBSPECIALTY IN SURGERY

Most require 2-3 years of post-residency

fellowships

Many require training out of Rwanda

CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Junior consultant
Consultant
Senior consultant
Chief consultant

3-5 years from one category to another with few other

additional requirements
Salaries increase with grades
Possibility of academic career

RESEARCH

Research opportunities available all over the

career from residency

Those in subspecialties or in academic

environments can choose between more research
intensive goals or patient care/clinical goals or a
combination of the two

QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION

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