Factors affecting the choice of urology subspecialty among surgical residents in Nigeria

Abstract

The career choice of the surgical trainee has generated a lot of interest all over the world. This is especially true in Nigeria where there is shortage of specialist in the different surgical subspecialties. The issues of gender composition, influencing and motivating factors and declining enrolment are areas of concern. There is little data on the factors that influence the final choice of urology as a subspecialty in Nigeria, after enrolment into surgical residency This study aimed to determine the reasons for the choice of urology sub-specialty amongst urology residents in Nigeria and to sample the experiences of the urology trainees that affect the quality of the training. This was a nationwide cross-sectional study amongst Urology residents and specialist urologists less than 5 years post qualification via an online Google form survey for 8 weeks (1^st August to 30^th September 2022) There were a total of 43 respondents, 42 males and one female. The age range was between 34-47yrs with a mean age of 39.5yrs. Twenty-three (53.5%) were residents while 19(44.2%) were consultants less than 5 years of post qualification. Majority of trainees had role models/mentors as urologists 33(76.7%). Thirty-five (81.4%) of respondents had attended courses or training in urology. Personal interest (62.8%), work/life balance (53.5%), and advances in technology (37.2%) were the common reasons for choosing urology as a sub-specialty. The top-ranked factors that influenced respondent training quality were having good collaboration with colleagues (100%), having enthusiastic Consultants/Seniors (93%); having the appropriate level of responsibility at the training post (93%) as well as clinical teachers who are accessible. The least influencing factor is the non-availability of good counseling opportunities towards training satisfactorily (44.2%). The results of this study have given insight into ways to improve the training of Urologists thereby encouraging more surgical residents to choose this sub specialty in Nigeria. There should be established urology orientation programs and the use of clinical protocols should be established. Urology trainers need to be more effective in motivating young surgical residents to choose urology subspecialty.