Scalpel Please! A Scoping Review Dissecting the Factors and Influences on Professional Identity Development of Trainees Within Surgical Programs

Professional identity development is a multifaceted process that has recently sparked interest in medical education. Literature in professional identity development has focused predominantly on medical students and postgraduate medical training and much less on surgery, despite the unique challenges faced by surgical trainees while trying to emulate the identity of a self-actualized surgeon. A scoping review was performed to explore the factors and influences on professional identity development of surgeons in training. MEDLINE, PubMed, and OpenGrey databases were initially screened for relevant existing literature of professional identity development in surgical trainees, including quantitative, qualitative, and gray literature, followed by a hand search of references that appeared to be of pertinence. Seven hundred and five records were initially identified. Following the removal of duplicates and application of study selection criteria, 11 studies were included in the review. Professional identity development in surgical trainees was found to be influenced by a variety of intricately interrelating factors. Gaps in the literature were identified, highlighting possible areas of future research to better elucidate the overall process of identity development in budding surgeons and help guide interventions and programs to facilitate the transition of trainees to qualified and independently practicing surgeons.