Surgery clerkships & general surgery careers: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION

By 2050, the U.S. is projected to face a critical shortage of surgeons, with general surgery experiencing the most significant shortfall. Medical student clerkship experiences play a crucial role in sustaining interest in surgical careers, making them a key area for intervention.

METHODS

This study provides a comprehensive review of the current literature on the attributes of general surgery clerkships that influence students' decisions to pursue a career in general surgery.

RESULTS

Using the Social Ecological Model (SEM), we identify clerkship factors and facilitators and barriers to student interest in general surgery careers at the individual, interpersonal, environmental, community, and policy level.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that targeted interventions - such as supporting students underrepresented in surgery, enhancing the quality of clerkships, and improving perceptions of the surgical lifestyle and culture - could increase interest in the field and address the impending surgeon shortage.