Table 3 Improving vascular surgery trainee retention. Recommendations for improving retention of higher vascular surgery trainees within the training programme, based on suggestions from TPDs’ and trainees’ survey responses

 • Collect data prospectively to quantify resignations

 • Exit interviews with trainees leaving the specialty to be conducted to identify local and national areas for improvement

 • Investigate and improve Inter-Deanery Transfer process

 • Promote an early realistic insight into the lifestyle and working patterns of senior vascular surgeons to junior doctors