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.

This study identified specific socioeconomic disparities that increased odds of death and increased healthcare resource utilization. Moreover, this study provides specific societal targets to address to reduce neonatal sepsis mortality in the United States.

Background. The use of physical activity tracker devices has increased within the general population. However, there is limited medical literature studying the efficacy of such devices in adolescents with obesity. In this study, we explored the feasibility of using wearable activity tracking devices as an adjunct intervention on adolescents with obesity. Methods. Randomized controlled pilot trial evaluated the feasibility (attrition ≤50%) of an activity tracking intervention (ATI) and its effects on weight loss in adolescents with obesity enrolled in an adolescent weight management clinic (AWMC). Outcomes included feasibility (attrition rate) and absolute change in BMI. Differences between groups at 6, 12, and 18 weeks were examined. Results. Forty-eight participants were enrolled in the study. Eighteen subjects were randomly assigned to the ATI group and 30 to control. The average age was 14.5 years. Overall, the majority of participants were Hispanic (56%). Sexes were equally distributed. The average baseline BMI was 37.5 kg/m2. At the study conclusion, the overall attrition rate was 52.1%, 44.4% in the ATI group versus 56.6% in the control group, with a differential attrition of 12.2%. The ATI and control groups each showed an absolute decrease in BMI of −0.25 and −2.77, respectively, with no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion. The attrition rate in our study was >50%. Participation in the AWMC by the ATI and control groups resulted in maintenance of BMI and body weight for the study duration. However, the use of an activity tracking device was not associated with greater weight loss. This trial is registered with NCT03004378.

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