Background: The number of students pursuing general surgery (GS) has declined in Canada. The reasons for this, and program directors' (PDs) perception of it, are unclear.
Methods: A survey was distributed to medical students at Queen's University and the University of Manitoba, and to all Canadian GS program directors to explore causes for the trend and identify potential solutions.
Results: Students pursuing GS were more likely to feel that GS fit their lifestyle needs (P < 0.05) and to have met positive role models (P < 0.05). Hardship of the training and practice, length of training, need for prestige, income and enjoyment of procedures did not correlate with specialty choice. Half of GS PDs did not perceive a decline in the number of applicants.
Conclusions: Attention to student-raised concerns regarding GS programs and increased awareness of the applicants' trends among PDs can be used to address the current decline in applications to GS.