[Representatives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery residents in Germany]

In most German hospitals there are resident representatives to stand in for the rights and interests of residents. The precise number of representatives in orthopaedic and trauma surgery is unknown, as well as the field of duty and the rights of this position.The Junges Forum O&U presents survey data, which were collected from members of the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU), the German Society for Orthopaedics and Orthpaedic Surgery (DGOOC) and the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU). All had an age below 40 years. The Survey was carried out in a period between 27th of January 2015 and 26th of March 2015.These data allowed the Junges Forum O&U to analyse the duties and numbers of representatives for residents in orthopaedic and trauma surgery in Germany. Questionnaires from 316 representatives were fully analysed. Of these, 92 % work at university hospitals. The conditions of election and the duties are not defined. The activity as representative was mainly fulfilled in spare time. The major aspect was conflict resolution between colleagues.The Junge Forum O&U presents the recommendation for election, field of duty and meetings on a regular basis with the other residents or even the first-line management.