• J C Sánchez Gil, E Guasch Arévalo, N Brogly, and F Gilsanz Rodríguez.
• Servicio de Anestesiología y Reanimación, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid.
• Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim. 2011 Oct 1; 58 (8): 477-84.

ObjectivesOur main objective was to determine the reasons why residents chose to specialize in anesthesiology and postoperative critical care in the autonomous community of Madrid. We also wished to know if prior contact with this specialty influenced their choice, if those who chose it as a second specialization differed from those who were doing a first residency, what expectations the residents had and if they had been met, and if they were satisfied with their training.Material And MethodsSurvey of all residents in anesthesiology and postoperative critical care medicine in the community of Madrid between November 2008 and February 2010. The questionnaire items covered demographic data, prior specialty training, undergraduate contact with the specialty, reasons for choosing this specialty (technical, social, or employment-related interests), satisfaction, and expectations met.ResultsWe received 89 valid questionnaires, a sample that represented 35% of the residents. The reasons expressed most often were learning and performing techniques (97.8%); that the specialty was dynamic, with broad theoretical and practical content (98.9%), and an interest in providing critical care (93.3%). These 3 reasons were considered important or very important by most of the respondents; 55.8% considered that learning and carrying out techniques was the most important reason. All the respondents who had previously done specialty training said they were dissatisfied. Prior contact with the specialty was associated with having different reasons and interests, such as an interest in pain (F = .037) or emulating a role model (P = .014).ConclusionsThe specialty's mix of theoretical and practical content and the chance to perform techniques and provide critical care are the features the residents find most attractive. Residents who already have another specialty are less satisfied and their expectations are not as well met.

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