title: Attitudes and perceptions regarding subspecialty training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
abstract: The objective of the study was to evaluate perceptions regarding subspecialty training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) in the United States. A 57-item questionnaire was anonymously mailed to fellows and applicants to FPMRS fellowship. Seventy-four American fellowship interviewees and current fellows completed the entire questionnaire (56% response rate). Key factors associated with higher interest in FPMRS compared to general obstetrics and gynecology (OBG) included competitiveness to get into fellowship and new developments. Key factors associated with higher interest in FPMRS compared to other subspecialties in obstetrics and gynecology (SUB) were lower risk of malpractice and higher sense of career satisfaction. Commonly cited attributes of FPMRS that attract to the field relate to the complexity of cases and the quantity of time spent in the operating room. Majority of responders preferred academics over private practice or a mixture (55.4%, 17.6%, and 27%, respectively). The most important reason for interest in FPMRS compared to OBG and SUB is quality time in the operating room and lower risk of malpractice, respectively. Results of this study may help attract medical students to OBG and help mentors with career counseling.
authors.affiliation: Division of Female Pelvic Medicine Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA. sam_siddighi@trihealth.com
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siddighi
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barker
authors.forename: Apurva
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pancholy
authors.forename: Kelli
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Krallman
authors.forename: Mickey M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Karram
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kleeman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017773:Pelvic Floor; D011231:Preceptorship; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States