Are Orthopaedic Surgeons Tough As Nails? A Regional Resilience Study

Description

In this presentation titled "Medical Student Perceptions of Trauma and Orthopedics," Rosie Hackney, based in Edinburgh, explores the reasons behind the underrepresentation of minorities in the orthopedic field. Through a web-based survey targeting medical students at Edinburgh University, Hackney seeks to understand their perceptions of trauma and orthopedics (T&O) and identifies factors shaping these views. During the study, 129 students participated, revealing that many perceive barriers related to competitiveness and culture in the specialty. The findings highlight the importance of role models in influencing career choices, with a notable emphasis on the need for increased female representation in the field and the impact of negative comments from other medical specialties on students' perceptions. Additionally, data indicate that the majority of respondents have limited exposure to T&O education, suggesting a need for increased engagement and direct clinical experiences. Hackney emphasizes the responsibility of current professionals to cultivate a positive image of orthopedics within the medical community and calls for a proactive approach to address longstanding stereotypes affecting student career choices.

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