525 Undergraduate Barriers to Surgical Training

Abstract Aim To identify potential barriers in undergraduate medical students to surgical training. Method One hundred and one third-year students, with no prior experience, were asked what they consider be a barrier Results Seventy-eight responded total of eighty-eight reasons given (n = 88). Of these, 17 (19%) cited lack exposure or 10 (11%) stated manual dexterity, 3 (3%) anatomical knowledge as barriers. Various regarding training itself. A perceived poor work-life balance was by 14 (16%), 13 (15%) the competitive aspect training, 6 (7%) long duration With regards surgery specialty, 9 (10%) said hours, patient contact, observed male dominance specialty female surgeons, 4 (5%) rumoured negative work environment. Conclusions This survey identifies clear three main themes being identified: experience skills, aspects specialty. More effort should expose earlier discipline, improving skills teaching, well providing descriptions process entails. It would prudent resurvey their final year, after having had sufficient exposure.