Objective

Cardiothoracic surgery remains the most competitive of surgical specialities. With the new ST1 entry point, undergraduate cardiothoracic experience has become increasingly important. However, little is known about undergraduate views of the specialty. We therefore aimed to undertake a UK national survey that would give further insight into medical student views of cardiothoracic surgery as a specialty and career choice.

Methods

We surveyed medical students from all UK medical schools via an online questionnaire. In this we explored medical students opinions of the speciality, their exposure to cardiothoracic surgery and teaching delivered covering anatomy, surgical skills and examination skills. This was publicised through the surgical royal colleges, undergraduate surgical societies and medical schools.

Results

Of 286 respondents, 90% would consider a career in cardiothoracic surgery. 84% felt they hadn’t had sufficient exposure to the speciality with the same amount wanting to know more about it. Comments frequently mentioned the competitive nature of the speciality, the lack of exposure to it as students, the effects of interventional cardiology and the lack of work/life balance. Almost 50% stated that they wouldn’t have their career plans changed by surgeon specific mortality reporting.

Conclusion

The majority of respondents have been those interested in surgery or cardiothoracic surgery specifically. Few felt that their experiences of the speciality were sufficient with many wanting more teaching and exposure to cardiothoracic surgery. Many commented on the competitive nature of entry. We would recommend that as a specialty these results are considered and used to tailor opportunities to attract the best and brightest medical talent.