eP345 “Do I really need to?”- attitudes and perceived barriers to academia in General Surgery

Abstract Aims Academia and research are deemed an important part of a General surgeons’ career. Emphasised during recruitment, training, and appointment of surgeons and therefore a potentially important determinant of progression. However, concerns regarding diversity in academia are prevalent. We aimed to examine the attitudes and perceived barriers to academia amongst General Surgeons Methods An online voluntary survey was distributed to surgeons of all career grades via different digital media. Questions included demographics and perceived barriers scored on a Likert scale of 1 to 10. Results Interim analysis showed 64 respondents (28.2% seniors, 71.8% trainees) participated. 37% White, 53% female, 26.6% graduated outside the UK. Surgeons felt less supported/mentored in academia than leadership (score 5.3 out of 10 vs 5.8) Black surgeons were more likely to feel they had the skills to succeed in academia (6.55 vs 5.83 in White groups) but were least likely to feel supported in academia (3.7 vs Asian 6.2, White 5.8). Senior surgeons felt less supported than juniors (4.6 vs 5.7). Females self-scored lower on skills and characteristics needed (5.6 and 6 vs 6 and 6.4) and perceived gender as higher barrier (4.3 vs 3.7). Discussion This work demonstrates minoritised General surgeons experience barriers to academia with EM groups reporting they believe they hold the skills and characteristics but are unsupported. Women are less likely to believe they have the skills or characteristics needed and experience day to day pressures as a barrier. This shows a clear need for targeted interventions.