[Deficit of trainees in thoracic surgery : Do we need to adapt or become extinct?]

Background: Although thoracic surgery is a challenging and versatile surgical specialty, a shortage of qualified and motivated thoracic surgery residents is expected in the coming years. In the inpatient setting, a shortage of approximately 7300 surgeons is expected. Therefore, there is an urgent need to attract more interested young medical students and improve the medical training of our next generation of surgeons.

Methods: To assess the current nationwide status quo among medical students, an online survey with 39 questions on participant demographics, medical education, interest in surgical and thoracic surgery training, and attractiveness of residency was designed.

Results: In all, 224 questionnaires were analyzed. Overall, there was a high level of interest in (thoracic-) surgery at the start of training. It should be noted that one third of the respondents did not know that the 'thoracic surgeon' is an independent specialist. This statement raises further questions about the presence of thoracic surgery in medical studies. When asked about typical characteristics that students associate with thoracic surgery, the majority answered 'a high level of practical activity'. The main reason they gave for not pursuing further surgical training was the unfavorable work-life balance.

Conclusion: Students know exactly what they want for their future and where surgery has its weaknesses. They want transparent and practical training, a work-life balance, and recognition of their work and themselves.