Questionnaire survey on work motivations of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary pancreatic surgeons enrolled in a Japanese national interdisciplinary program

Background: Among young residents, there seems to be a decreasing desire to become surgeons, resulting in a decrease in the number of surgeons. There is concern regarding a shortage of hepatobiliary pancreatic (HBP) surgery residents in Japan. A questionnaire survey was designed to assess the work motivations of Japanese gastrointestinal (GI) and HBP surgeons. Methods: Questionnaires assessing seven domains related to motivation (aptitude, satisfaction/dissatisfaction, knowledge/skill, evaluation/approval, self-management, community/expectation from other parties, and emotion) were sent to GI and HBP surgeons throughout Japan. Differences between HBP and GI surgeons were analyzed. Results: Responses were received from 27 institutions in Japan between May and August 2014. Mid-career and senior HBP surgeons (11–20 years after graduation) working in university hospitals were significantly less satisfied with their work than GI surgeons (P = 0.036). Evaluation/approval factors were significantly lower in senior HBP surgeons than in GI surgeons 16–20 years after graduation (P = 0.048). Conclusions: The future satisfaction of young residents seeking to become HBP surgeons should be enhanced, providing an appealing workplace for young residents and preventing discontinuation by mid-career and senior surgeons.