ATS
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to Personal Folders
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Author home page(s):
Jorge D. Salazar
Antonio Laudito
Richard Lee
John Calhoon
Right arrow Permission Requests
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Salazar, J. D.
Right arrow Articles by Calhoon, J.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Salazar, J. D.
Right arrow Articles by Calhoon, J.
Related Collections
Right arrow Professional affairs

Ann Thorac Surg 2006;82:1160-1165
© 2006 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Special report

Cardiothoracic Surgery Resident Education: Update on Resident Recruitment and Job Placement

Jorge D. Salazar, MDa,*, Peter Ermis, MDa, Antonio Laudito, MDb, Richard Lee, MD, MPHc, Grayson H. Wheatley, III, MD, MBAd, Sean Paul, BBAa, John Calhoon, MDa

a University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
b Palmetto Cardiovascular and Thoracic Associates, Charleston, South Carolina
c Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri
d Arizona Heart Institute, Phoenix, Arizona

* Address correspondence to Dr Salazar, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, MC 7841, San Antonio, TX 78229 (Email: salazarj2{at}uthscsa.edu).

BACKGROUND: Applications to cardiothoracic surgery training programs have steadily declined. The application cycle for 2004 marked the first time the number of applicants was lower than the positions offered. This survey reflects on this trend in applications and the perspectives of current and graduating residents.

METHODS: In June 2004, the Thoracic Surgery Residents Association, in conjunction with CTSNet, surveyed residents completing accredited cardiothoracic training or additional subspecialization. Participation was anonymous and voluntary.

RESULTS: Of the 140 graduates, 88 responded. Most were male (92%) and married (72%). Their average age was 35.7 years, and 56% had children. The mean educational debt was less than $50,000. Of the 88 respondents, 69 (78%) had plans to seek jobs whereas 15 (17%) sought additional training. Among job-seeking residents, 12% received no offers. Also, 59% of graduates initially sought a position in academics and 41% in private practice. Nearly one quarter (23%) reported that they would not choose a career in cardiothoracic surgery again, and more than half (52%) would not strongly recommend cardiothoracic surgery to potential trainees. Almost all (90%) of the graduates believed that the number of cardiothoracic training spots should be decreased, and 92% believed that a reduction in training positions should be achieved by closing marginal training programs. Additionally, 91% believed reimbursement for cardiothoracic surgery was inadequate, and 88% thought low reimbursement resulted in restricted patient access and decreased quality of care.

CONCLUSIONS: Cardiothoracic training programs are having difficulty in both applicant recruitment and in suitable job placement. This frustration in the job search coupled with reimbursement and lifestyle issues most likely contributes to the general dissatisfaction conveyed by the graduates. If these trends continue, the field will be faced with a crisis of unfilled residency programs and unemployed graduates.






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
ANN THORAC SURG ASIAN CARDIOVASC THORAC ANN EUR J CARDIOTHORAC SURG
J THORAC CARDIOVASC SURG ICVTS ALL CTSNet JOURNALS
Copyright © 2006 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.