A survey of demographics, motivations, and backgrounds among applicants to the integrated 0 + 5 vascular surgery residency

Abstract

Applicants to 0 + 5 integrated vascular residencies were more likely to have rotated on a vascular surgery service, observed vascular cases, identified a vascular surgery mentor, and been actively involved in cardiovascular research. The quality of the top VS applicant based on class rank and test scores is comparable to the top GS applicants, yet the VS applicant has a higher percentage of advanced degrees, more publications, and more involvement in cardiovascular research. Institutional strategies to increase medical student exposure to vascular surgery clinically and via research programs will optimize our ability to attract and train the best candidates in these new training programs.

Long-term impact of a preclinical endovascular skills course on medical student career choices

“…2,18 The opportunity then as a preclinical student in the safe confines of a simulated environment would have clear theoretic advantages in attracting students to a surgical specialty. In this course, the ability to be introduced to technology and devices and endovascular procedures was cited as a major reason to be interested in surgery (Table VI).…”

“…VS faculty and program directors wishing to attract the best students to our specialty need to be aware of the demographics and backgrounds of those that apply to these early specialization programs. 1,2 Workforce issues and estimates of future vascular care needs as baby boomers turn 65 also require that our specialty increase both in terms of number of specialists as well as diversity of our trainees. 3 The preferred strategy for optimizing recruitment efforts into VS may therefore be at the medical student level, when there is the most captive and diverse applicant pool.…”

A systematic review of the factors affecting choice of surgery as a career

“…Nine studies supported the theory that students who identify as surgeons prioritized their interest in surgical topics over value of a controlled lifestyle. 88,90,[92][93][94][95][96][97]103 Efforts to enhance student interest in surgery by putting in place lifestyle modifications have had mixed success. Work hour restrictions have been shown to improve students' experience of their surgical rotations and to enhance their interest in surgical careers.…”

Six-year integrated cardiothoracic surgery residency applicants: Characteristics, expectations, and concerns

“…A similar trend has been encountered by integrated programs in other specialties such as vascular surgery. 5,6 This inclination could be partially explained because both CT I-6 and integrated vascular surgery applicants have mainly been exposed to academic surgery. It is also important to remember that the surveyed candidates were those who had already passed the initial selection process.…”