1492 The Age of Trainees When Joining the Specialist List – What Are the Differences Across Specialties?

Those wishing to pursue a career in surgery will be aware of stereotypes that exist within each specialty, including how long it takes to attain a certificate of completion of training (CCT). These perceptions are often historic, and whilst may be based on elements of truth, are rarely backed by robust data. Oral & maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) for example is plagued by the stigma of necessitating a second degree which gives the assumption the age of being appointed a consultant is somewhat above average. We aim to dispel (or prove, depending on one’s predisposition) such myths by analysing the age of surgeons when appointed to the General Medical Council’s specialist list. Method Information on the age of entry onto the surgical specialist lists between 1997 and 2018 was obtained from the General Medical Council (GMC). Data was suitably statistically analysed. Results 19,135 surgeons joined surgical specialist lists during the study period. General and trauma and orthopaedic surgery accounted for 60% of all surgeons (n = 11,444). The age on joining surgical specialist lists ranged from 27–83 years, with a mean of 41.4 years. Neurosurgeons most frequently joined the specialist list in the youngest age bracket. OMF surgeons, along with their cardiothoracic and vascular colleagues, are joint eldest by 1.3 years. Conclusions Since the creation of the specialist list, training has seen several upheavals. This data shows that despite each specialty’s specific requirements and individuals’ varying paths, there is little difference in the age when the consultant destination is reached.