Young French neurosurgeons: Working conditions and outlook

Due to the increase in the number of French neurosurgeon residents the neurosurgical workforce is changing. The main objective of this survey was to assess working conditions and perspectives for young French neurosurgeons.

METHOD:

An on-line survey was sent to young French neurosurgeons based on a mailing-list (219 mail addresses of Residents and Fellows obtained during previous meetings). The form contained questions about career, amount of work, salary, quality of life, teaching and university work.

RESULTS:

We received 78 replies from January to March 2014. A total of 56% from fellows saying they had undergone difficulties in obtaining a fellowship, although 78% were satisfied. Fellows considered a private career more often than residents. Overall, young neurosurgeons were worried about future employment. Some 33% admitted contemplating a different career from one they originally wanted. The average weekly working time of 76.8hours was deemed to be excessive. Security rests after overnight shifts were lacking or incomplete in 91% of cases. The work atmosphere was good overall (3.7/5), and so was the quality of life (3.2/5). Theoretical teaching was unsatisfactory (2.43/5) as well as the time allowed for academic work (approximately 1.58 half-days per month). However, practical teaching was considered rewarding (3.63/5).

CONCLUSION:

This study provides some guidance for upcoming reforms, and should be considered again at a later date to evaluate progress.
Pommier B, Manet R, Gay E, Vassal F, Nuti C, Hladky JP. [Young French neurosurgeons: Working conditions and outlook]. Neurochirurgie. 2015 Aug 4. pii: S0028-3770(15)00096-X. doi: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2015.04.003. [Epub ahead of print]
French. PubMed PMID: 26254124.