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Sisak S, Price AD, Foote DC, Montgomery KB, Lindeman B, Cho NL, Sheu NO, Postlewait LM, Smith SR, Markesbery KC, Meister KM, Kader S, Abelson JS, Anstadt MJ, Patel PP, Marks JA, Callahan ZM, Kimbrough MK, Byrd SE, Stopenski SJ, Nahmias JT, Patel JA, Wilt W, Dodwad SJM, Adams SD, Willis RE, Farr D, Harvey J, Woeste MR, Martin RCG, Al Yafi M, Sutton JM, Cortez AR, Holm TM. A multi-institutional study from the US ROPE consortium examining factors associated with endocrine surgery exposure for general surgery residents. Surgery 2024; 175:107-113. [PMID: 37953151 PMCID: PMC10906110 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2023.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior analyses of general surgery resident case logs have indicated a decline in the number of endocrine procedures performed during residency. This study aimed to identify factors contributing to the endocrine operative experience of general surgery residents and compare those who matched in endocrine surgery fellowship with those who did not. METHODS We analyzed the case log data of graduates from 18 general surgery residency programs in the US Resident Operative Experience Consortium over an 11-year period. RESULTS Of the 1,240 residents we included, 17 (1%) matched into endocrine surgery fellowships. Those who matched treated more total endocrine cases, including more thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal cases, than those who did not (81 vs 37, respectively, P < .01). Program-level factors associated with increased endocrine volume included endocrine-specific rotations (+10, confidence interval 8-12, P < .01), endocrine-trained faculty (+8, confidence interval 7-10, P < .01), and program co-location with otolaryngology residency (+5, confidence interval 2 -8, P < .01) or endocrine surgery fellowship (+4, confidence interval 2-6, P < .01). Factors associated with decreased endocrine volume included bottom 50th percentile in National Institute of Health funding (-10, confidence interval -12 to -8, P < .01) and endocrine-focused otolaryngologists (-3, confidence interval -4 to -1, P < .01). CONCLUSION Several characteristics are associated with a robust endocrine experience and pursuit of an endocrine surgery fellowship. Modifiable factors include optimizing the recruitment of dedicated endocrine surgeons and the inclusion of endocrine surgery rotations in general surgery residency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Sisak
- Cincinnati Research on Education in Surgical Training (CREST), University of Cincinnati, Department of Surgery, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Adam D Price
- Cincinnati Research on Education in Surgical Training (CREST), University of Cincinnati, Department of Surgery, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Darci C Foote
- Beaumont Health, Department of Surgery, Royal Oak, MI; University of Michigan, Department of Surgery, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Brenessa Lindeman
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Surgery, Birmingham, AL
| | - Nancy L Cho
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Surgery, Boston, MA
| | - Nora O Sheu
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Surgery, Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sarah Kader
- Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Burlington, MA
| | | | | | - Purvi P Patel
- Loyola University, Department of Surgery, Maywood, IL
| | - Joshua A Marks
- Thomas Jefferson University, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | - Samuel E Byrd
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Little Rock, AR
| | | | - Jeffry T Nahmias
- University of California at Irvine, Department of Surgery, Orange, CA
| | - Jitesh A Patel
- University of Kentucky, Department of Surgery, Lexington, KY
| | - Wesley Wilt
- University of Kentucky, Department of Surgery, Lexington, KY
| | | | - Sasha D Adams
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Department of Surgery, Houston, TX
| | - Ross E Willis
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Department of Surgery, San Antonio, TX
| | - Deborah Farr
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX
| | - Jalen Harvey
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX
| | | | | | - Motaz Al Yafi
- University of Toledo, Department of Surgery, Toledo, OH
| | - Jeffrey M Sutton
- Medical University of South Carolina, Division of Oncologic and Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Charleston, SC
| | - Alexander R Cortez
- Cincinnati Research on Education in Surgical Training (CREST), University of Cincinnati, Department of Surgery, Cincinnati, OH; University of San Francisco, Department of Surgery, San Francisco, CA
| | - Tammy M Holm
- Cincinnati Research on Education in Surgical Training (CREST), University of Cincinnati, Department of Surgery, Cincinnati, OH.
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Demblowski LA, Khan TM, Zeiger MA. Endocrine surgery and the surgeon-scientist: Bridging the gap between a rich history and a bright future. Am J Surg 2023; 225:690-693. [PMID: 36266134 PMCID: PMC10033319 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We evaluate National Institutes of Health (NIH) data to describe endocrine surgical research performed by surgeons in the United States. METHODS An internal NIH database was queried for endocrine surgery-related grants awarded to surgeons in 2010, 2015, and 2020. The grants were then compared based on cost, grant type, research type, and endocrine topic. RESULTS Eighteen grants ($6.4 M) focused on endocrine surgery-related research topics were identified in 2020, 17 ($7.3 M) in 2015, and 11 ($3.8 M) in 2010. In 2020, 14 grants were basic science and 4 were clinical outcomes, and pancreatic endocrine disease and thyroid disease each comprised 6 grants. R01 and R21 grants comprised 10 (55.6%) of the grants in 2020, compared to 10 (58.5%) in 2015 and 8 (72.7%) in 2010, while K08 and K23 grants increased to 4 (22.2%) in 2020 from 2 (11.8%) in 2015 and none in 2010. CONCLUSION There were more K-awards focused on endocrine surgery-related research in 2020 compared to 2015 and 2010, suggesting the pipeline is growing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Demblowski
- Office of Surgeon Scientists Programs, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tahsin M Khan
- Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Martha A Zeiger
- Office of Surgeon Scientists Programs, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Blazer DG. Supply and Demand: Is the Surgical Oncology Match in a Bear Market? Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:7947-7949. [PMID: 36103015 PMCID: PMC9472720 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Celik S, Bilge O, Ozdemir M, Dionigi G, Anuwong A, Makay O. Modified Larssen solution (MLS)-fixed cadaver model for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) education: a feasibility study. Surg Endosc 2022; 36:5518-5530. [PMID: 35471255 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-022-09224-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Training formats for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) are limited. Our aim was to create and investigate a TOETVA training model for general and ENT surgeons. METHODS A total of 15 modified Larssen solution (MLS) human cadavers were used in the study. A day duration TOETVA human cadaver workshops were offered in two years consecutive. Post-training verbal and online questionnaires were applied to all trainers to evaluate course structure and program, organoleptic characteristics of MLS-fixed human cadavers, and TOETVA training effectiveness. Cost assessment is included in the study. RESULTS Ninety-eight participants, i.e., 14 trainers and 84 hands-on (HO) and observer (OB) trainees, attended the workshops, completed the tasks assigned, and fulfilled the questionnaires. Implementation of all steps of TOETVA was approved positively by 89.8% of all participants, 94.4% of HO, and 83.3% of OB trainees. Regarding human cadaver and teaching quality, 10.8 ± 0.8 (10-12) human cadavers were "practical" by 13.2 (94.5%) of the trainers, and by 33.3 (92.5%) of the trainees for all steps of TOETVA. The cadavers were stored for 4.53 years and used 6.27 times repeatedly for endoscopic workshops and research studies. TOETVA workshop cost with repeatable use of MLS-fixed human cadaver is half of other performed TOETVA workshops. CONCLUSIONS A TOETVA human cadaver workshop model has not been reported yet. Our findings suggest the feasibility of MLS-fixed human cadaver model for training of TOETVA, preserve the organoleptic properties necessary for the implementation of surgical steps, and reduce the cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Servet Celik
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100, Bornova-Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Okan Bilge
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100, Bornova-Izmir, Turkey
| | - Murat Ozdemir
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100, Bornova-Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gianlorenzo Dionigi
- Division of General Surgery, Endocrine Surgery Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, The University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Angkoon Anuwong
- Minimally Invasive Endocrine and Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Police General Hospital, 492/1, Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Ozer Makay
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100, Bornova-Izmir, Turkey
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Drake JA, Diggs LP, Martin SP, Wach MM, Jafferji MS, Steinberg SM, Blakely AM, Davis JL, Hoang CD, Ripley RT, Hernandez JM. Characteristics of Matriculants to Thoracic Surgery Residency Training Programs. Ann Thorac Surg 2021; 112:2070-2075. [PMID: 33378696 PMCID: PMC9913615 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2020.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thoracic surgery (TS) residency positions are in high demand. There is no study describing the nationwide attributes of successful matriculants in this specialty. We examined the characteristics of TS resident applicants and identified factors associated with acceptance. METHODS Applicant data from 2014 to 2017 application cycles was extracted from the Electronic Residency Application System and stratified by matriculation status. Medical education, type of general surgery residency, and research achievements were analyzed. The number of peer-reviewed publications and the corresponding impact factor for the journals where they were published were quantified. RESULTS There were 492 applicants and 358 matriculants. The overall population was primarily male (79.5%), white (55.1%), educated at United States allopathic medical schools (66.5%), and trained at university-based general surgery residencies (59.6%). Education at United States allopathic schools (odds ratio [OR], 2.54; P < .0001), being a member of the American Osteopathic Association (OR, 3.27; P = .021), general surgery residency affiliation with a TS residency (OR, 2.41; P = .0003) or National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (OR, 1.76; P = .0172), and being a first-time applicant (OR, 4.71, P < .0001) were independently associated with matriculation. Matriculants published a higher number of manuscripts than nonmatriculants (median of 3 vs 2, P < .0001) and more frequently published in higher impact journals (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Our study includes objective and quantifiable data from recent application cycles and represents an in-depth examination of applicants to TS residency. The type of medical school and residency, as well as academic productivity, correlate with successful matriculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A Drake
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Laurence P Diggs
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sean P Martin
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Michael M Wach
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mohammad S Jafferji
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Seth M Steinberg
- Biostatistics and Data Management Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Andrew M Blakely
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jeremy L Davis
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Chuong D Hoang
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - R Taylor Ripley
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jonathan M Hernandez
- Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Wolbrom DH, Brunt LM, Lidor A, Jeyarajah DR, Mattar SG, Pryor A. Gender disparities in gastrointestinal surgery fellowship programs. Surg Endosc 2021; 36:3805-3810. [PMID: 34459975 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-021-08697-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender disparities in surgical leadership have come under increased scrutiny, and in order to better understand why these disparities exist, it is important to study the disparities across surgical fellowship programs. METHODS Data derived from the Fellowship Council (FC) database for fellows completing training from academic years 2015-2019 were analyzed. Available information included institution, fellowship type, program director (PD), associate program director (APD), faculty, and fellow names for all FC Fellowships. Faculty and fellow gender were determined from personal knowledge or publicly available online biographical information. RESULTS A total of 1023 fellows and 221 programs were analyzed. The advanced gastrointestinal (GI)/minimally invasive surgery (MIS) fellowship programs included 321 fellows, with a small increase in the percentage of female fellows from 28 to 31% over 5 years. Advanced GI/MIS/bariatric fellowship programs had a total of 262 fellows, also with a small increase in the percent of female fellows, from 29 to 38% in the study period. The gender of program directors, assistant program directors, and faculty for the fellowship programs studied were analyzed as well. Of the 221 programs in the Fellowship Council data, 13.6% of program directors, 18.3% of associate program directors, and 19.9% of faculty were female. Advanced GI/MIS fellowship programs had the lowest percentage of female PDs, with only 9.3% of the program directors being female. Colorectal surgery fellowships had the highest percentage of female PDs, with 33% being female. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, women are underrepresented in gastrointestinal surgery fellowships among both trainees and educators. It is likely that a significant contributing factor to this underrepresentation of female fellows is the underrepresentation of female program directors and faculty; although neither our study nor any previously published study has proven that statistically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H Wolbrom
- Department of Surgery, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - L Michael Brunt
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Anne Lidor
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Samer G Mattar
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aurora Pryor
- Department of Surgery, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, 101 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
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Shindorf ML, Copeland AR, Gupta S, Steinberg SM, Steele SR, Yeo HL, Sanchez JA, Hernandez JM. Evaluation of Factors Associated With Successful Matriculation to Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship. Dis Colon Rectum 2021; 64:234-240. [PMID: 33315718 PMCID: PMC9161349 DOI: 10.1097/dcr.0000000000001849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As an increasing number of general surgery residents apply for fellowship positions, it is important to identify factors associated with successful matriculation. For applicants to colon and rectal surgery, there are currently no objective data available to distinguish which applicant attributes lead to successful matriculation. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to identify objective factors that differentiate colon and rectal surgery fellowship applicants who successfully matriculate with those who apply but do not matriculate. DESIGN This was a retrospective analysis of colon and rectal surgery applicant characteristics. SETTINGS Deidentified applicant data provided by the Association of American Medical Colleges from 2015 to 2017 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Applicant demographics, medical school and residency factors, number of program applications, number of publications, and journal impact factors were analyzed to determine associations with successful matriculation. RESULTS Most applicants (n = 371) and subsequent matriculants (n = 248) were white (61%, 62%), male (65%, 63%), US citizens (80%, 88%) who graduated from US allopathic medical schools (66%, 75%). Statistically significant associations included graduation from US allopathic medical schools (p < 0.0001), US citizenship (p < 0.0001), and number of program applications (p = 0.0004). Other factors analyzed included American Osteopathic Association membership (p = 0.57), university-based residency (p = 0.51), and residency association with a colon and rectal surgery training program (p = 0.89). Number of publications and journal impact factors were not statistically different between cohorts (p = 0.067, p = 0.150). LIMITATIONS American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination scores, rank list, and subjective characteristics, such as strength of interview and letters of recommendation, were not available using our data source. CONCLUSIONS Successful matriculation to a colon and rectal surgery fellowship program was found to be associated with US citizenship, graduation from a US allopathic medical school, and greater number of program applications. The remaining objective metrics analyzed were not associated with successful matriculation. Subjective and objective factors that were unable to be measured by this study are likely to play a determining role. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B415. EVALUACIN DE FACTORES VINCULADOS EN LA INMATRICULACIN EXITOSA PARA BECAS DE CIRUGA COLORRECTAL ANTECEDENTES:A medida que un número cada vez mayor de residentes de Cirugía General solicitan una beca, es importante identificar los factores vinculados con una inmatriculación exitosa. Para los candidatos a una beca en Cirugía Colorrectal, hoy en día no existen datos objetivos disponibles para distinguir qué atributos del solicitante conducen a una inmatriculación exitosa.OBJETIVO:Identificar objetivamente los factores que diferencian un candidato a una beca en Cirugía Colorrectal que se inmatricula con éxito de aquel que aplica pero no llega a inmatricularse.DISEÑO:Análisis retrospectivo de las características de los solicitantes de beca para Cirugía Colorrecatl.AJUSTES:Datos de los solicitantes no identificados, proporcionados por la Asociación de Colegios Médicos Estadounidenses de 2015 a 2017.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se analizaron los factores demográficos del solicitante, las facultades de medicina y los factores de la residencia, el número de solicitudes de programas, el número y el factor de impacto de las publicaciones realizadas para determinar la asociación con una inmatriculación exitosa.RESULTADOS:La mayoría de los solicitantes (n = 371) que posteriormente fueron inmatriculados exitosamente (n = 248) eran blancos (61%, 62%, respectivamente), hombres (65%, 63%), ciudadanos estadounidenses (80%, 88%) que se graduaron de Facultades de medicina alopática en los EE. UU. (66%, 75%). Las asociaciones estadísticamente significativas incluyeron la graduación de las escuelas de medicina alopática de los EE. UU. (P <0,0001), la ciudadanía de los EE. UU. (P <0,0001) y el número de solicitudes de programas (p = 0,0004). Otros factores analizados incluyeron: membresía AOA (p = 0,57), la residencia universitaria (p = 0,51) y asociación de la residencia con un programa de formación en Cirugía Colorrectal (p = 0,89). El número de publicaciones y los factores de impacto de las revistas no fueron estadísticamente diferentes entre las cohortes (p = 0,067, p = 0,15, respectivamente).LIMITACIONES:El Score ABSITE, la posición en lista de clasificación y las características subjetivas como el de una buena entrevista y las cartas de recomendación no se encontraban disponibles en la fuente de datos.CONCLUSIONES:Se encontró que la inmatriculación exitosa a un programa de becas de Cirugía Colorreectal estaba asociada con la ciudadanía estadounidense, la graduación en una Facultad de medicina alopática en los EE. UU, y al mayor número de solicitudes de programas. El analisis de las medidas objetivas restantes no se asociaron con una inmatriculación exitosa. Es probable que los factores subjetivos y objetivos que no pudieron ser medidos por este estudio jueguen un papel determinante. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B415. (Traducción-Dr Xavier Delgadillo).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy R. Copeland
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health,
Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Shreya Gupta
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health,
Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Seth M. Steinberg
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health,
Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Scott R. Steele
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Digestive Disease and
Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Heather L. Yeo
- Department of Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell
Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Julian A. Sanchez
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer
Center, Tampa, Florida
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Wach MM, Ruff SM, Ayabe RI, Martin SP, Diggs LP, Alexander IA, Steinberg SM, Davis JL, Hernandez JM. An Examination of Applicants and Factors Associated with Matriculation to Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship Training Programs. Ann Surg Oncol 2018; 25:3436-3442. [PMID: 30054823 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-018-6674-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The demand for training in complex general surgical oncology (CGSO) fellowships currently exceeds the number of positions offered; however, there are scarce data defining the applicant pool or characteristics associated with successful matriculation. Our study described the applicant population and to determine factors associated with acceptance into the fellowship. STUDY DESIGN Data were extracted from the Electronic Residency Application System for applicants in 2015 and 2016 and stratified based on matriculation status. Applicant demographics, including medical education, residency, and research achievements, were analyzed. Academic productivity was quantified using the number of peer-reviewed publications as well as the journal with the highest impact factor in which an applicant's work was published. RESULTS Data were gathered on a total of 283 applicants, of which 105 matriculated. The overall population was primarily male (63.2%), Caucasian (40.6%), educated at a U.S. allopathic medical school (53.4%), and trained at a university-based General Surgery residency (55.5%). Education at a U.S. allopathic school (OR = 5.63, p < 0.0001), university-based classification of the applicant's surgical residency (OR = 4.20, p < 0.0001), and a residency affiliation with a CGSO fellowship (OR = 2.61, p = 0.004) or National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (OR = 3.16, p < 0.001) were found to be associated with matriculation. Matriculants published a higher number of manuscripts than nonmatriculants (median of 10 vs. 4.5, p < 0.0001) and more frequently achieved publication in journals with higher impact factors (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS This study represents the first objective description of the CGSO fellowship applicant pool. Applicants' medical school, residency, and research data points correlated with successful matriculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Wach
- Thoracic and Oncologic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Samantha M Ruff
- Thoracic and Oncologic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Reed I Ayabe
- Thoracic and Oncologic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sean P Martin
- Thoracic and Oncologic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Laurence P Diggs
- Thoracic and Oncologic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Imani A Alexander
- Thoracic and Oncologic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Seth M Steinberg
- Biostatistics and Data Management Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeremy L Davis
- Thoracic and Oncologic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan M Hernandez
- Thoracic and Oncologic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Ko B, McHenry CR. A model for a career in a specialty of general surgery: One surgeon's opinion. Am J Surg 2017; 215:8-13. [PMID: 28807476 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The integration of general and endocrine surgery was studied as a potential career model for fellowship trained general surgeons. METHODS Case logs collected from 1991-2016 and academic milestones were examined for a single general surgeon with a focused interest in endocrine surgery. Operations were categorized using CPT codes and the 2017 ACGME "Major Case Categories" and there frequencies were determined. RESULTS 10,324 operations were performed on 8209 patients. 412.9 ± 84.9 operations were performed yearly including 279.3 ± 42.7 general and 133.7 ± 65.5 endocrine operations. A high-volume endocrine surgery practice and a rank of tenured professor were achieved by years 11 and 13, respectively. At year 25, the frequency of endocrine operations exceeded general surgery operations. CONCLUSION Maintaining a foundation in broad-based general surgery with a specialty focus is a sustainable career model. Residents and fellows can use the model to help plan their careers with realistic expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bona Ko
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christopher R McHenry
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Surgery, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Krishnamurthy VD, Gutnick J, Slotcavage R, Jin J, Berber E, Siperstein A, Shin JJ. Endocrine surgery fellowship graduates past, present, and future: 8 years of early job market experiences and what program directors and trainees can expect. Surgery 2017; 161:289-296. [DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2016.06.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Baker EH, Dowden JE, Cochran AR, Iannitti DA, Kimchi ET, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Jeyarajah DR. Qualities and characteristics of successfully matched North American HPB surgery fellowship candidates. HPB (Oxford) 2016; 18:479-84. [PMID: 27154813 PMCID: PMC4857058 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) fellowships in North America are difficult to secure with an acceptance rate of 1 in 3 applicants. Desirable characteristics in an HPB surgery applicant have not been previously reported. This study examines the perceptions of trainees and HPB program directors with regards to positive attributes in applicants for HPB fellowships. METHODS Parallel surveys were distributed by email with a web-link to current and recent HPB fellows in North America (from the past 5 years) with questions addressing the following domains: surgical training, research experience, and mentorship. A similar survey was distributed to HPB fellowship program directors in North America requesting their opinion as to the importance of these characteristics in potential applicants. RESULTS 32 of 60 of surveyed fellows and 21 of 38 of surveyed program directors responded between November 2014-February 2015. Fellows overall came from fairly diverse backgrounds (13/32 were overseas medical graduates) about one third of respondents having had some prior research experience. Program directors gave priority to the applicant's interview, curriculum vitae, and their recommendation letters (in order of importance). Both the surveyed fellows and program directors felt that the characteristics most important in a successful HPB fellowship candidate include interpersonal skills, perceived operative skills, and perceived fund of knowledge. CONCLUSION Results of this survey provide useful and practical information for trainees considering applying to an HPB fellowship program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin H Baker
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Jacob E Dowden
- Department of General Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Allyson R Cochran
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - David A Iannitti
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Eric T Kimchi
- Department of General Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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