Abstract
Role models are fundamental for anyone entering the field of medicine. Proper leadership
is especially essential in surgical subspecialties to guide young doctors through
their training, ensure surgical experience and skill development, and teach the values
of professional and ethical behavior and team management. In the complex field of
pediatric surgery, which is composed of a unique patient clientele and age-dependent
conditions, specialization, experience, and a strong executive are vital for patient
care. Leaders in pediatric surgery are required to find a suitable balance between
guidance and controlling a trainee's actions to ensure correct medical and surgical
treatment and provide young doctors with the opportunity to grow and gain independent
experience. When teaching the present generation of trainees, current leaders need
to consider the specific characteristics of the so-called “Millennials” to avoid tension
and frustration due to generation diversity. This article aims to assess leadership
qualities, character traits, challenges, and expectations in pediatric surgery from
a trainee's perspective.
Keywords
leadership - values - pediatric surgery - training - nontechnical skills - Millennials
