Because of negative perceptions, there is limited interest in seneral surgery among medical students. Furthermore, the source and timing of the negative perceptions are unclear. This study was undertaken to determine attitudes toward general surgery among second year medical students prior to formal clinical rotations.

A survey was distributed to second year medical students at nine randomly selected diverse U.S. medical schools. Questions included demographic items and perceptions about general surgery.

402 students, 56% men responded. Important qualities required to be a surgeon were felt to be “the ability to handle stressful situations” by 93%, a “hard worker” by 92%, and “efficient” by 82%. 49% expressed interest in pursuing general surgery; 95% because of operating room exposure, albeit limited. Among students expressing no interest in general surgery, 93% reported lifestyle as the major deterring factor; the sources of negative perception were classmates for 88%, non-surgical physician instructors for 61%, and non-physician instructors for 28%. 64% felt there is disparity for women in general surgery; 89% attributed this to lifestyle and 35% to a hostile environment. Earlier exposure to surgeons, positive role models, and improving lifestyle were frequent suggestions for improving the perception of general surgery.

Among pre-clinical medical students there is a generally negative perception of general surgery, which is gender non-specific and formed prior to clinical rotations, limiting interest in general surgery. Earlier exposure to surgeons, improved lifestyle and work environment, and positive role models, would help influence medical students toward careers in general surgery.