Gute Chirurginnen und Chirurgen brauchen einen „Ausgleich“

BACKGROUND: The shortage of residents in orthopedic and trauma surgery cannot be denied. To identify the background and possible solutions, a survey was conducted among physicians at all levels of expertise. OBJECTIVE: What are the current expectations towards the professional life, particularly of resident doctors? What are the possibilities to realize them in traumatology and orthopedic surgery? MATERIAL AND METHODS: An evaluation of the annual survey 2022 of the Young Forum of the Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery Association (Junges Forum O und U) was carried out, including an analysis of the questions and research relevant to the topic on further ways to achieve a balance in the medical profession. RESULTS: Of the resident doctor respondents 76% were open to working part-time and 85% rated the possibility of working remotely as easing the burden. Over half of the respondents spent some time during a residency abroad or would be open to doing so. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of young residents expect a promising future for modern working models, where working part-time and working remotely play a role, as do stays abroad. By taking these wishes seriously and pursuing them, it would be possible to recruit new personnel or at least retain those who are already present.