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Eur J Pediatr Surg 2017; 27(03): 212-213
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1603195
Editorial
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Young Pediatric Surgeon

Carmen Dingemann
1   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
31 May 2017 (online)

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The new generation of pediatric surgeons is faced not only with a variety of problems that are reasonably well known, but also with new challenges resulting from constant medical evolution. Like all other medical subspecialties, our work field as pediatric surgeons is being influenced not only by professional but also by societal changes. Low birthrates in central Europe and more and more colleagues entering the training programs result in lower surgical exposure for the individual trainee. At the same time, for the young generation, it has become more important to combine a demanding work environment and a satisfying life beyond work.

I believe it is about time to bring the different generations to a table and find solutions to the obstacles of the present and the future. In this special issue of the European Journal of Pediatric Surgery, colleagues and experts in their field from different countries and different generations give us their views and opinions, and—where applicable—recent measures and numbers acting as a solid ground for fruitful and positive working approaches. All articles of this issue are entirely dedicated to the generation of young pediatric surgeons.

Zani[1] from Toronto, Canada, and Rome, Italy, reports the status of junior pediatric surgeons in Europe hosting more than 50 independent states. As a result, the working conditions and regulations vary widely. In the different health care systems, junior pediatric surgeons are faced with various types of postgraduate training and job opportunities. In his article, Zani discusses some aspects related to the working conditions of European junior pediatric surgeons, with a focus on working time regulations, differences in training systems, mobility and interchanges, and novel opportunities. Moreover, the recently created Group of Young Pediatric Surgeons of Europe (GYPSE) is introduced as a platform for young pediatric surgeons and trainees under the age of 35 years from European countries.

The young pediatric surgeon must deal with an ever-growing body of scientific knowledge. Glenn et al[2] from Akron, Ohio, United States, reflect details of the problem in its current state and report on the role of new media for the young pediatric surgeon. Based on the authorś great experience, innovations in medical education and publishing are highlighted. The authors also include a variety of interim solutions to the tremendous knowledge gap encountered.

In summary, this article on a hot topic aims to (1) inform the reader of the challenges posed by the ever-growing knowledge gap, (2) demonstrate the shortcomings of traditional approaches to education for the surgeon who has completed training, and (3) highlight unique solutions to these problems.

Kyrklund[3] from Helsinki, Finland, examines careers in pediatric surgery, reflecting on historical perspectives, philosophical aspects, and contemporary practice.

This article addresses early perspectives in pediatric surgery to define the motivations of pediatric surgeons. Furthermore, the role of the child is illuminated as a subject in art and surgery over time. This review also analyzes progress and rewards in pediatric surgery resulting in considerable improvement of the longitudinal health care outcomes of children with complex surgical needs. The high levels of career satisfaction among pediatric surgeons are considered to be the result of this advancement. Therefore, the appeal of pediatric surgery has endured through evolving challenges marked by progress. In pediatric surgery, research has featured as a core element in surgical progress, and nearly all significant advances in the field have resulted from sustained efforts to understand disease processes through research, creative thinking, and close academic partnerships alongside clinical practice. These values are reflected in the career histories of veritable role models in pediatric surgery. Thus, the conclusion is drawn that young pediatric surgeons have a central responsibility for upholding the valuable heritage of their predecessors and for practicing the craft with the same degree of dedication and excellence while maintaining the interests of the patient at the core.

Dingemann[4] from Hannover, Germany, concentrates on the female pediatric surgeon. This contribution aims to review the long way, female surgeons have gone so far and to outline the current situation including policies on pregnancy and maternity/parental leave, childcare, and on work–life balance. Moreover, this review summarizes recent findings on gender disparities, characterizes certain obstacles female surgeons are faced with, explores persistent barriers to the academic advancement of women, and outlines strategies to retain surgery as an attractive field for both men and women. Individual and institutional creative modifications are being proposed that can promote the advancement of women in surgery nowadays.

It is a matter of common knowledge that different generations represent different opinions and attitudes in all areas of life. For this reason, two authors have been invited to report their ideas on the topic of “leadership” from their uniquely personal perspective.

Tovar[5] from Madrid, Spain presents his view of leadership as a former Surgeon in Chief and Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics. His review defines and summarizes a theory on leadership at large, and then analyzes in detail the peculiarities that distinguish (pediatric) surgical departments from a corporation in an attempt to extend the application of the principles of leadership to these structures. The superior interest of the patients and their families will be better served by achieving excellence at all levels of care, research, teaching, and diffusion of the results. These values are the core of the leader's action and may be difficult to develop in a hospital framework in which the main decisions are not always into his/her hands. The reader of this special issue of the European Journal of Pediatric Surgery is fortunate as Tovar offers some valuable tips for prospective leaders based on his tremendous experience.

Zimmer[6] from Dublin, Ireland, and Hannover, Germany, introduces her vision on leadership, assesses leadership qualities, defines character traits, and discusses challenges and expectations in the field of pediatric surgery as a trainee in her fourth year of training. This contribution particularly focuses on generational diversity and the generation of young pediatric surgeons called “Millennials” coupled with a variety of distinct social, familial, economic, and lifestyle attitudes. In line with her senior counterpart, Zimmer provides some recommendations to current and to future leaders in pediatric surgery to assure constant skill development, motivation, and satisfaction of future trainees.

Schmedding et al[7] from Frankfurt, Germany, and Gdansk, Poland outline the pediatric surgical training in Europe on behalf of the Section and Board of Pediatric Surgery of the Union of European Medical Specialists (UEMS). Owing to the lack of data on the training conditions within the European national associations of pediatric surgery, the Executive Committee of UEMS Section of Pediatric Surgery designed a questionnaire that had been distributed among all UEMS members with national pediatric surgical associations and to Russia. In their article of this special issue of the European Journal of Pediatric Surgery, the authors present their highly topical data from 29 of 37 national associations revealing that a uniform training schedule in pediatric surgery has not been achieved within Europe so far. They conclude that this situation mandates urgent attempt to harmonize both training curricula and final examinations at European level.

I am convinced that this special issue of the European Journal of Pediatric Surgery does not only provide new perspectives on several aspects of young pediatric surgeons but does also offer valuable suggestions and solutions to overcome the obstacles, the young generation of pediatric surgeons is facing.