Trauma and Orthopaedics (T&O) remains a greatly contended specialty to enter, with applications for Specialty Training 1 (ST1) training increasing annually and competition ratios of 25:1 for ST1 positions reported in 2020 [1]. Within this field, paediatric orthopaedic surgery constitutes a low proportion of subspecialty interest, accounting for only 7 % [2]. There is concern regarding recruitment into paediatric orthopaedic surgery substantive consultant posts in many parts of the United Kingdom (UK) [3]. Hence, it is crucial to identify factors that influence a trainee in favour of or against pursuing paediatric orthopaedic surgery as a subspecialty career for workforce planning.

The current T&O training curriculum is standardised by the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) [4]. T&O trainees must have had a minimum of three months exposure to paediatric orthopaedic surgery in their training to experience paediatric trauma, and common conditions such as clubfoot, cerebral palsy, and developmental hip dysplasia. Across each deanery, the availability of training posts focusing on paediatric orthopaedic surgery varies [3].

The first aim of the study was to evaluate exposure to paediatric orthopaedic surgery in the current T&O training curriculum nationally, noting factors which influence trainees in choosing or refraining from pursuing the subspecialty, and determine if early and increased exposure could increase interest and retention. The second aim was to evaluate the level of anticipated confidence in performing standard paediatric orthopaedic surgical emergency procedures as a newly appointed general orthopaedic consultant, and the trainees’ ability to achieve the paediatric orthopaedic curriculum requirements for completion of T&O specialty training.