Has implementation of the 80-hour work week made a career in surgery more appealing to medical students?

Background This study was conducted to determine if a surgical career became more appealing to medical students with the resident work week limited to 80 hours. Methods At the start and conclusion of each surgery clerkship rotation, students completed a survey addressing perception of surgeons, and surgery as a career. They were divided into the control groups (rotations before July 2003; n = 109) and the experimental group (rotations after July 2003; n = 108). Results Students in the experimental group had a significantly more favorable impression of a surgeon’s lifestyle and work hours than those in the control group. This was especially true of female students post-rotation, who responded more positively to the statement that a surgical career would allow for a good balance between professional and personal life (1.87 vs 2.45, P <.01). Conclusion The new Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) regulation has had a positive impact on students’ perceptions of the surgeon’s lifestyle, but does not necessarily increase their interest in a surgical career.