A survey of early year consultant vascular surgeons in the UK to assess well-being, support and the availability of mentoring

Objectives: To explore the support available to newly appointed consultant vascular surgeons following a complication or complaint; to evaluate the incidence of bullying, undermining and harassment (BUH), burnout and imposter syndrome; and to understand the attitudes towards mentoring within this group. Methods: A validated 59-question online survey was distributed by the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland (VSGBI), British Society of Endovascular Therapy (BSET), and the Rouleaux Club through their national mailing lists between October and November 2023. Responses were collated using the survey server (SurveyMonkey). The results were summarised using descriptive statistics. Results: Sixty-five consultant vascular surgeons responded, representing 54% of the target population. Eighteen (28%) were female and 47 (72%) were male. Forty (62%) had experienced a serious complication, with 25% not receiving any support. Sixteen (25%) had faced a complaint, investigation or other regulatory process, following which 31% (n=5) did not receive any support. Support when received was effective in 87% and 91% following a complication and complaint, respectively. Twenty-seven (45%) experienced BUH, the perpetrator(s) in 17 cases (63%) being a vascular surgeon colleague, in eleven cases (41%) a consultant colleague from another specialty and in eight (30%) a manager. Most cases (n=19, 70%) were not effectively managed. Support was provided in only nine cases (33%) and was effective in six (67%) of these. Twenty-three (39%) witnessed others being bullied; the subject of BUH in 83% of cases was a vascular surgeon colleague and in 52% (n=12) a trainee. Only one case (4%) was effectively managed. Twenty-seven (47%) had encountered a significant life event since becoming a consultant, with only 18 (64%) receiving support. Nine (16%) reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with 43% describing symptoms suggestive of PTSD including: re-experiencing of events (24%), avoidance of reminders of events (21%), negative emotions related to an event (35%) and chronic hyper-arousal syndrome (14%). Twenty-one (38%) experienced burnout and 38 (68%) felt at risk of burnout. Thirty-one (55%) reported imposter syndrome. Only 19 (34%) worked their ideal job plan, with the majority (58%, n=18) not feeling in a position to negotiate a better job plan. 48% (n=27) had considered leaving the NHS and 32% (n=18) felt they had made the wrong career choice. Only 24 (43%) had a mentor. All of those who had a mentor reported the relationship to be beneficial. Forty-eight (86%) believed that all newly appointed consultants should have a mentor. Conclusions: This survey is concerning and reveals significant distress amongst early-stage consultant vascular surgeons. Unless the areas highlighted are urgently addressed there will be a significant impact on recruitment and retention in vascular surgery in the future.