Introduction Identification of successful general surgical residents remains a challenging endeavor for program directors (PD) with a national attrition of approximately 20% per year. The Big 5 Personality traits and the Grit Scale have been extensively studied in many industries and certain traits are associated with professional or academic success. However, their utility in surgery resident selection is unknown. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all categorical surgery residents (n=34) at the University of Texas Medical Branch from 2015–2017. Current residents were classified into low performing (n=12) or non-low performing (n=22) based on residency performance and standardized test scores. Groups were assessed for differences in both conventional metrics used for selection and Big 5 and Grit Scores using bivariate analysis and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Personality testing was administered to recent resident applicants (N=81). Applicants were ranked using conventional application information. We then examined the applicants’ personalities and their rank position with personality characteristics of non-low performing residents to determine if there was any correlation. Results The Big 5 personality test identified significantly higher extroversion, conscientiousness, and emotional stability scores in those residents classified as non-low performers. There was no significant difference in conventional metrics or in grit scores between non-low performers and low performers. Our final rank does not correlate well with personality traits of non-low performers. Conclusions The Big 5 test may prove to be a useful adjunct to the traditional residency application in identifying applicants who may become successful in general surgery residency.

No abstract

No abstract

Here, we have shown improvements in objective and subjective measures of scarring and an increase in overall patient-reported physical function. The combined administration of OxProp for up to a year after burn injury should be considered for the reduction of postburn scarring and improvement of long-term psychosocial outcomes in children with massive burns.