A Survey of Grit, Mindset, and Happiness Among Participants Completing a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery Program

Abstract

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To determine the mindset amongst AAGL FMIGS participants. <h3>Design</h3> Cross-sectional survey. Comparisons were performed with Wilcoxon rank sum tests and Spearman's Test of Correlation. Statistical analysis was performed using R Statistical Software (Vienna, Austria). <h3>Setting</h3> An anonymous electronic survey involving four validated questionnaires (Duckworth Grit Scale, Implicit Theories of Interest, Implicit Theories of Intelligence, and Subjective Happiness Scale) was distributed in fall 2019. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> Current participants in an FMIGS program. <h3>Interventions</h3> N/A. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> A total of 43 of 76 (56.6%) FMIGS participants in AAGL-accredited programs completed a survey regarding grit, mindset, and subjective happiness. There were 18 first-year fellows (41.9%) and 25 second-year fellows (58.1%). Most fellows were working either 40-60 hours per week (76.7%) or 60-80 hours per week (18.6%). The majority would apply for a fellowship again if given the opportunity (72.1%) and were satisfied with their program (76.7%). Median age was 32 years (range 28 – 38 years). Associations of fellow characteristics of interest with the four mindset questionnaires were assessed. Generally, fellows demonstrated grit (3.8, scale 1-5), growth mindset tendencies (3.9 and 3.6, scale 1-5), and happiness (73.4, scale 1-100). There was a significant association between increased number of PubMed publications and a higher Subjective Happiness Score (P=0.032), and between increased number consultations of education videos on the SurgeryU website and a lower Intelligence Score (P=0.004). No other significant associations with responses of the questionnaires were identified (all P≥0.070). <h3>Conclusion</h3> FMIGS is gaining popularity as a post-graduate career choice. Previous research has indicated that participants seek out this fellowship for personal fulfillment. Our results indicate that FMIGS participants tend towards grittiness, growth mindset, and are overall happy, and certain inherent educational characteristics play a factor in mindset. Additional research comparing FMIGS participants to other subspecialty programs is warranted to further understand personal motivators for seeking additional training.