Abstract
Background There has been a fivefold increase of neurosurgeons over the last three decades in
Germany, despite a lesser increase in operations. Currently, there are approximately
1,000 neurosurgical residents employed at training hospitals. Little is known about
the overall training experience and career opportunities for these trainees.
Methods In our role as resident representatives, we implemented a mailing list for interested
German neurosurgical trainees. Thereafter, we created a survey including 25 items
to assess the trainees' satisfaction with their training and their perceived career
prospects, which we then distributed through the mailing list. The survey was open
from April 1 until May 31 2021.
Results Ninety trainees were enrolled in the mailing list and we received 81 completed responses
to our survey. Overall, 47% of the trainees were very dissatisfied or dissatisfied
with their training. Sixty-two percent of the trainees reported a lack of surgical
training. Fifty-eight percent of trainees found it difficult to attend courses or
classes and only 16% had consistent mentoring. There was an expressed desire for a
more structured training program and mentoring projects. In addition, 88% of trainees
were willing to relocate for fellowships outside their current hospitals.
Conclusions Half of the responders were dissatisfied with their neurosurgical training. There
are various aspects that require improvement, such as the training curriculum, structured
mentoring, and reduction of the amount of administrative work. We propose the implementation
of a modernized structured curriculum, which addresses the mentioned aspects, in order
to improve neurosurgical training and, consecutively, patient care.
Keywords
neurosurgical training - residency training - curriculum - Germany
