What Should Be Advanced in Pediatric Surgery in the Future? : The Road to Making the Complete Children's Doctor

Abstract

Today, the field of pediatric surgery is in crisis. Most pediatric surgeons can't figure out their own direction and prospects. Presently, there is an abundance of pediatric surgeons, but because of the uncertainty in this field, in the future there will be too few. Furthermore, the surgeons who find positions in upper-level institutions may be content with their work, but others may decide to open their own clinics or work at the first-level institutions. In either case, these doctors can't rely only on their surgical skill. They must also treat general pediatric patients. Therefore, they need more experience and knowledge in general pediatrics. The reverse can also happen, whereby a pediatrician desires to learn pediatric surgery. The system at present requires these doctors to study at least 5 additional years to achieve this. This is impossible. I propose setting up an intensive one or two-year course within the hospital where registered doctors can study to develop the skills they need. They would receive certification showing that they passed this intensive course. Following the course, if they open their own clinic, they can confidently treat all patients, general pediatric and pediatric surgery. They can become a "complete children's doctor." At present, the medical graduate educational system does not provide for the above situations.