Current status, training, career challenges, and future perspectives of leading young academic pancreatic surgeons in China: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to clarify the clinical practice, research output, international engagement, occupational challenges, and future expectations of leading young academic pancreatic surgeons in China, to identify developmental bottlenecks and provide evidence for optimizing talent training and disciplinary support systems. Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire survey was conducted among qualified young academic pancreatic surgeons. Eligible participants met unified criteria regarding surgical experience, academic publications, and independent research grants. A 65-item questionnaire covering clinical work, scientific research, personal development, and disciplinary prospects was distributed nationwide. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data, and thematic analysis was applied to summarize qualitative feedback and opinions. Results: In total, 37 valid questionnaires were included for analysis. All participants were senior surgeons with rich clinical and supervisory experience. Most were engaged in high-volume pancreatic centers. They maintained heavy clinical workloads, mastered standardized minimally invasive and complex pancreatic surgeries, and achieved high-level academic performance and competitive research funding. Nearly two-thirds of participants actively participated in international academic exchanges. However, they also faced relevant challenges, including imbalanced clinical and research burdens, limited research translation efficiency, insufficient auxiliary workforce, inadequate multicenter cooperation, and moderate satisfaction with research support. Participants appealed for specialized pancreatic centers, standardized multidisciplinary management, sustainable research funding, and improved talent evaluation policies. They held positive expectations for precision surgery, artificial intelligence applications, novel targeting drugs, immunotherapy, and optimized perioperative management in the future. Conclusions: Leading young academic pancreatic surgeons in China possess comprehensive clinical competence, solid research strength, and international competitiveness. Nevertheless, multiple unmet needs and developmental obstacles restrict their long-term career growth. Targeted institutional support, balanced workload arrangement, strengthened multicenter collaboration, and translational research promotion are essential to educate and train young surgical talents and facilitate high-quality, long-term development of pancreatic surgery in China.