The true length of training in vascular surgery

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Workforce planning in vascular surgery remains challenging since there are no data on career path intentions of trainees. The Rouleaux Club, which is the UK vascular trainee association, undertook a snapshot survey of the vascular surgery trainee workforce to help guide the allocation of the future vascular surgery workforce. METHODS An anonymous survey was sent to national training number (NTN) and non-NTN vascular surgery trainees. The survey was open for four weeks from 26 September to 23 October 2020. Data were analysed by two Rouleaux Club executive committee members using Microsoft Excel®. RESULTS The survey was completed by 147 trainees (130 NTN and 17 non-NTN trainees). When taking into consideration time out of training and less than full-time training, the average predicted Certificate of Completion of Training date for NTN trainees is delayed by one year. Eleven per cent of NTN trainees had completed or were in less than full-time training at the time of the survey. Time out of training was taken by 75% and parental leave by 28%. Just under half (47%) of NTN trainees were planning on taking parental leave in the future. Over half (51%) of NTN trainees expected to retire aged between 61 and 65 years. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that vascular surgery training is not a simple six-year higher surgical training experience and may vary considerably between individuals. Future vascular workforce planning needs to take these factors into consideration. Action must be taken now to recruit and retain the future workforce so that the demand for vascular surgeons can be met.