Academic activities of pediatric surgeons in Japan questionnaire survey on the members of the Japanese society of pediatric surgeons.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the current situation by surveying past clinical and basic research experiences of members of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Surgeons (JSPS).

Material and method: An online survey was conducted in 2024. Members of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Surgeons were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire that included 43 items on their research experience, including conference presentations, published manuscripts, research funding, and study abroad experience.

Results: In total, 320 participants responded to the survey. Respondents were divided into two groups: a young doctor group (U45, primarily Millennials, N = 195) and an older doctor group (O45, primarily Baby Boomers and Generation X, N = 125). Forty percent (39/195) of the U45s and 16.8% (21/125) of the O45s felt that their supervisors provided insufficient academic guidance. O45s showed greater motivation with regard to academic mentorship than U45s (U45 vs. O45 = 8.7% vs. 21.6%, p < 0.01). Younger generations are starting to write English case reports and original articles at a younger age (U45 vs. O45 = 8.30 ± 2.99 vs. 9.44 ± 4.13 years after graduation, p = 0.02). Both the U45 and O45 groups demonstrated high levels of motivation towards academic activities.

Conclusion: Although pediatric surgeons in Japan are highly motivated to engage in academic activities, the academic activity guidance system is not sufficiently conducive.