Understanding Generation Y will help in training the next group of orthopedists

WASHINGTON — Orthopedic surgeons in academia and practice may notice something different about the next generation of residents, fellows and orthopedists coming up through the ranks: Generation Y, or those born between 1977 and 1994, are more educated, diverse and feel more entitled than other generations that came before it, which can be problematic for older physicians.

“For all of you who are mentoring people between the ages of 14 and 31, you are mentoring Generation Y, which is also known as the Millennials,” Bonnie M. Simpson Mason, MD, told the audience at the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society Meeting, here. “This is the generation that followed Generation X, which followed the Baby Boomers. Any of you who are mentoring them may have noticed the change in some of their attitudes and behaviors and outlooks on life.”

Simpson Mason said that the differences may complicate teaching and mentoring this generation, but having a better understanding of them can ease the process. She is the chair of the Share Your Umbrella mentoring program for the Gladden Society.

A diverse generation

“This is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation to date. One out of every three members of Generation Y is not white, and nine out of 10 children in Generation Y have friends outside their own ethnicity,” she said. “This is quite a change from Generation X or the Baby Boomers.”

She also noted that Generation Y members are extremely independent due to growing up with divorce, day care and latch-key parenting, and are technologically savvy.

“This generation knows what they want, they have direction, are a lot less cynical than Generation X and are more concerned about cultural issues,” she said.

This is one of the most highly educated generations to date, but they tend to feel quite entitled, possibly due to overindulgent parents, she said.

“This is where some of the challenges come in with this group. They feel that they can do anything, have anything and believe that the future is theirs. Generation Y by no means respects or understands the rules and regulations of their predecessors. Hence, they may seem a little bit challenging to deal with, especially in the medical field,” she said.

Fostering an understanding

Simpson Mason said it is important to learn how to bridge the gap between the Baby Boomers and Generation Y in order to recruit and retain them into orthopedics. Generation Yers may find themselves working side-by-side with people who can be their grandparents, and both generations may be dismissive of what the other can contribute to their overall goals, she said.

To minimize tension, Simpson Mason recommended understanding the values of Generation Y physicians. These include:

sustaining good relationships in the workplace with both their colleagues and their bosses;
desiring opportunities to show off their skills and to receive praise;
needing constant feedback, either positive or negative;
having opportunities for growth in their careers; and
valuing flexible work schedules and a balance between family and work.

Also, “By applying rationale and reasoning, Generation Yers can grasp a deeper understanding of why they are being told what they are being told, and not just do it because I said to do it,? she said. ?Tell them why they are being asked to do something and that it is a value to the overall goals that we are all trying to achieve.”

For more information:
Simpson Mason BM. 21st century strategic mentoring and workforce building for Generation Y. Presented at the 2008 Biennial Meeting of the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society. April 25-27, 2008. Washington.