Abstract
Study Aims
Training neurosurgery specialists is a challenging and demanding process. This national
survey study was conducted to evaluate the infrastructure of neurosurgery residency
programs and training clinics in Turkey and to assess how these factors impact specialist
practice.
Materials and Methods
A national survey consisting of 32 questions was distributed to neurosurgeons who
had been practicing as specialists for at least two years. The survey was divided
into four sections: demographic information, residency training process, hospital
where they currently work as specialists, and microsurgical experience. Statistical
analyses, including chi-square and logistic regression, were conducted to examine
factors influencing surgical performance in specialist practice.
Results
Regression analyses indicated that performing skin-to-skin surgeries during residency
significantly and most effectively increased the likelihood of performing these procedures
as a specialist. Additionally, working in anatomy laboratories, attending hands-on
cadaver courses, and increased years of practice were all positively associated with
surgical performance. It was also found that participants who graduated within the
last 5 years were statistically significantly less likely to have attended hands-on
courses or visited another clinic for observerships/fellowships compared with those
who graduated more than 5 years ago.
Conclusions
Findings suggest that neurosurgical training in Turkey is affected by disparities
in clinical infrastructure and hands-on experience. Standardizing residency experiences
and ensuring access to necessary equipment and training resources could enhance neurosurgical
competency and consistency in specialist practice.
Keywords
neurosurgery - neurosurgical residency - turkey - training - survey
