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Silvestre J, Singh GP, Weldeslase TA, Bleier JIS. Supply and Demand for Colon and Rectal Surgery Training in the United States. Dis Colon Rectum 2024; 67:739-742. [PMID: 38354059 DOI: 10.1097/dcr.0000000000003227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Silvestre
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Gagan P Singh
- Department of Surgery, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Terhas A Weldeslase
- Department of Surgery, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Joshua I S Bleier
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Sohail AH, Ye IB, Martinez KA, Campos MA, Sohail S, Williams CE, Khan MS, Bhatti U, Hakmi H, Akhtar A, Quazi MA, Sheikh AB, Goyal A, Khan A. Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship Applicant and Matching Trends in the United States: An Analysis of National Resident Matching Program Data. Am Surg 2024; 90:985-990. [PMID: 38054447 DOI: 10.1177/00031348231220574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colon and Rectal Surgery fellowships are training programs that aim to train surgeons in the management of small bowel, colon, rectal, and anal pathologies. OBJECTIVE We investigated trends in Colon and Rectal Surgery fellowship match to help applicants anticipate future fellowship application cycles. DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study of applicants in the Colon and Rectal Surgery match from 2009 to 2023. Proportion of positions filled, match rates, and rank-order lists were collected. The impact of US-MD, non-US-MD, and DO status on match rate was assessed. We used the Mann Kendall trend test to obtain tau statistic and P-value for temporal trends over time, while associations between categorical variables were investigated by a chi-square test. RESULTS Fellowship programs increased from 43 to 67, positions increased from 78 to 110, and number of applicants rose from 113 to 135. Nearly all positions were filled from 2009 to 2023 (range: 96.3%-100%). The overall match rate fluctuated between 67.3% and 80.7%. The match rate over the past 5 years was 72.0%. The match rate for US-MDs was 80.0%, while non-US-MDs had a 56.2% match rate. The percentage matching at each rank were first choice 28.0%, second choice 10.4%, third choice 6.9%, and fourth choice or lower 23.5%. CONCLUSION Despite an increase in Colon and Rectal Surgery fellowship positions, the overall match rate has not changed significantly over the years, mainly as a result of increased applicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir H Sohail
- Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ivan B Ye
- Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin A Martinez
- University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Marco A Campos
- University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | | | - Muhammad Salman Khan
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventioanl Imaging, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Umar Bhatti
- Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hazim Hakmi
- Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aisha Akhtar
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mohammed A Quazi
- University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Arizona Advanced Surgery, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | | | - Aman Goyal
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville,TN, USA
| | - Aimal Khan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
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Lowry AC. Numbers Do Not Tell the Whole Story. Dis Colon Rectum 2023; 66:1146-1148. [PMID: 37341518 DOI: 10.1097/dcr.0000000000002980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ann C Lowry
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of Minnesota Wilson Library, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Hedges EA, Khan TM, Teke M, Wach MM, Hernandez JM, Hoover SJ. Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship applicant selection and ranking: A survey of Society of Surgical Oncology programs. J Surg Oncol 2023; 127:34-39. [PMID: 36181515 PMCID: PMC10691500 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In 2003, the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) initiated a breast surgical oncology fellowship, which has now grown to 60 SSO accredited programs as of 2021. Limited knowledge exists on the traits of successful applicants and the factors influencing the rank list. METHODS A web-based, anonymous survey was sent to all SSO Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship program directors. The survey consisted of 26 questions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey responses and evaluate impact on applicant interview and rank list. RESULTS Thirty-four programs (57% response rate) completed the survey. Programs received an average of 70 applications and granted 24 interviews. Most programs reported a minimum ABSITE cut-off score (n = 28, 82%) and a defined publication requirement (n = 22, 65%), including a first-author requirement (n = 18, 53%) to extend an invitation to interview. For postinterview rank, applicant interpersonal skills were highly valued. The interview was the most important aspect for the rank list. CONCLUSIONS Many programs have ABSITE and publication thresholds before offering an interview. Upon receiving interview invitation, the applicant's interview performance, interpersonal skills, and letters of recommendation were the most important aspect in rank list decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Hedges
- Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Tahsin M. Khan
- Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Martha Teke
- Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Jonathan M. Hernandez
- Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Shum JW, Dierks EJ. Fellowship Training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Opportunities and Outcomes. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 2022; 34:545-554. [PMID: 36224071 DOI: 10.1016/j.coms.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The pursuit of fellowship training stems from one's desire to master a focused area of surgery. Successful applicants tend to have published articles and participated in other scholarly activities. They commonly have a mentor within the subspecialty of their interest. Selection of the program is generally based on the breadth of experience available followed by faculty reputation and location. Advantages to the successful fellowship graduate include the experience and confidence to provide specialized and efficient care to patients. Enhancements to an academic department with a fellowship program include mentorship for residents and guidance toward fellowship, as well as an increased level of scholarly activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Shum
- Oral, Head and Neck Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6560 Fannin Street Suite 1900#, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
| | - Eric J Dierks
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oregon and Health Sciences University, Head and Neck Surgical Associates, 1849 NW Kearney, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97209, USA
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Chu KM, Bust L, Forgan T. Colorectal Surgery Practice, Training, and Research in Low-Resource Settings. Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2022; 35:410-416. [PMID: 36111082 PMCID: PMC9470283 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1746190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal surgery (CRS) practice, training, and research differ between low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries due to disparity in resources. LMIC CRS is primarily done by general surgeons due to the paucity of fully trained colorectal surgeons. The majority of colon and rectal resections are done using open techniques, and laparoscopy and robotic platforms are only available in select private or academic centers. Multi-disciplinary teams are not available in most hospitals, so surgeons must have a broad knowledge base, and learn to adapt their practice. Formal CRS training opportunities through accredited post-residency fellowships and professional colorectal surgical associations are limited in LMICs. CRS is less established as an academic field, and less data are generated in LMICs. There are fewer staff and less dedicated funding for CRS research. However, LMIC colorectal surgeons and researchers can contribute valuable clinical findings especially on conditions of higher prevalence in their settings such as anal squamous cell carcinoma and obstetric fistulas. Effective surgical care for colorectal conditions requires significant investment in infrastructure, training, and governance in LMICs. This is critical to improve access to safe surgical care for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Chu
- Centre for Global Surgery, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Francie van Zijl Drive Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Lynn Bust
- Centre for Global Surgery, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Francie van Zijl Drive Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Tim Forgan
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Francie van Zijl Drive Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
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Colosimo C, Mann DR, Bhuller S, Opie D, Beam Z, Yon J, Bracken Burns J, Conrad-Schnetz K. Bridging the Gap: How to Get Osteopathic Residents Into Fellowships. Cureus 2022; 14:e27980. [PMID: 36120256 PMCID: PMC9468513 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The fellowship match process is convoluted, with each specialty having its match on its timeline- with some programs having a Post Graduate Year (PGY) 4th-year or 5th-year match. This study aims to identify tangible recommendations for osteopathic surgery residents to use to improve their applications and, ultimately, the success rate for matching into post-graduate fellowship training. Methods In October 2021, as a part of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (ACOS) Strategic Planning efforts, the ACOS Resident Student Section sent a questionnaire to the listed email contact for each surgical fellowship program. Fellowship coordinators and program directors were included in the survey. The programs that were included in the study were vascular, thoracic (which included cardiothoracic), surgical critical care, endocrine, hepatobiliary, transplant, pediatric, surgical oncology, breast, minimally invasive, and colorectal surgery. Results Of the 108 programs that answered the survey, 36% of them reported they currently had an osteopathic fellow, and another 29% said they had an osteopathic fellow in the past. 35% of the programs listed that they had never had an osteopathic fellow in their program. In regards to how residents can improve their application for fellowship matches the most common answer was research in the field, they were trying to match into. They wanted to see high scores on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) exams. They also noted that they wanted candidates from more well know residency programs, where they knew the residents would have gotten good training. Conclusion We recommend that any potential fellowship applicant focus on the following three areas increase competitiveness for matching into fellowship training: publication in the desired field, increased overall scholarly activity, and increased ABSITE scores.
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