Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Surgery

Supervisor

SAYRA M CRISTANCHO

Abstract

Introduction: Becoming independent in the operating room is a source of tremendous stress in the initial years of practice. There is paucity of research describing the challenges surgeons face during transition and their coping strategies.

Methodology: We conducted semi-structured interviews using rich pictures as an elicitation method. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results: Surgeons described their transition as revolving around two goals: achieving good outcomes and minimizing their fear of complications. They also described challenges related to being a surgeon and beyond being a surgeon. Contextual factors related to the surgical specialty played a pivotal role in how they were able to cope with those challenges.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that transition to practice is not a uniform experience across surgical specialties. The institutional context/culture in which it occurs shape the strategies used by transitioning surgeons.

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