Abstract
Background
Microsurgery is a highly specialized field requiring years of dedicated training and
proper support to sustain a practice. We sought to describe the career paths of young
microsurgeons and investigate factors associated with switching jobs.
Methods
Public data on surgeons who completed a microsurgery fellowship between 2016 and 2020
were collected. Analysis of job switching was determined using the Kaplan–Meier method.
Results
One hundred and sixty-seven graduates were analyzed. Most initially practiced microsurgery
(92.2%) and 61.7% went into academics. Fifty-two (31.4%) have switched jobs and Kaplan–Meier
estimates that 36.0% will switch by 5 years into practice. Over half (58%) changed
practice setting type, 19% left academics, and 12% stopped performing microsurgery.
Gender, residency training type, taking a job where they trained, and the presence
of a microsurgery fellowship had no effect on job switching (p = 0.74, 0.95, 0.71, 0.26). Surgeons in academics were significantly more likely to
change jobs (p = 0.04).
Gender, residency training type, or taking a job where they trained had no effect
on leaving academics (p = 0.89, 0.42, 0.37). Taking a first job where a microsurgery fellowship was present
was significantly associated with staying in academics (p = 0.04)
Conclusion
Most microsurgery fellows take jobs performing microsurgery. Thirty-six percent will
switch jobs in 5 years, more than half will change practice setting type, and about
20% will leave academics. A minority will stop performing microsurgery. Surgeons in
academics are more likely to switch jobs. Taking a job where there is a microsurgery
fellowship is significantly associated with staying in academics during the switch.
Keywords
career - microsurgery - academic medicine
