Integrated cardiothoracic surgery: Developing a successful residency application

Abstract

Central Message Exemplary academic and extracurricular performances are undeniable prerequisites for integrated program applicants. Perhaps more important is demonstrating a commitment to cardiothoracic surgery. Perspective Individuals interested in applying to integrated cardiothoracic surgery residencies derive great benefit from peers who are familiar with the process. Unfortunately, not everyone is afforded this guidance and peer-mentorship before applying. Past integrated program applicants have a responsibility to pay it forward and mentor others seeking a similar training path, which here we attempt to do.

The Change of USMLE Step 1 to Pass/Fail: Perspectives of the Surgery Program Director

“…3 Teams of scientists, educators, and clinicians ensure the validity of Step 1 questions, 2 and the accompanying scores are critical to the surgical residency application process. [5][6][7][8][9] Aside from its intended use, the Step 1 examination has evolved into a screening tool for residency programs across many specialties, 1,10-14 and many surgical residency programs set target scores to select competitive interviewees. [5][6][7][8][9] Surgical program directors (PDs) also use these scores to formulate rank lists 13,14 and to differentiate between applicants.…”

“…[5][6][7][8][9] Aside from its intended use, the Step 1 examination has evolved into a screening tool for residency programs across many specialties, 1,10-14 and many surgical residency programs set target scores to select competitive interviewees. [5][6][7][8][9] Surgical program directors (PDs) also use these scores to formulate rank lists 13,14 and to differentiate between applicants. 13,15,16 Scores not only reflect an applicant's basic medical knowledge, but have also been correlated with academic performance during residency across surgical and nonsurgical fields.…”

Integrated cardiothoracic surgery: Navigating interviews and the match

“…Even outstanding applicants may face challenges matching into IPs given the limited number of positions and the unpredictability of the match. 1 One survey of IPs found that 60% of programs received applications from nearly all applicants in the IP pool, but interviewed only 20 or 30. 6 In 2018, 170 IP applicants (99 US medical graduates and 71 international medical graduates) applied for 36 IP positions.…”

“…Certainly, applying to residency requires honest reflection of one's competitiveness to succeed in the match. 1 Highly competitive IP candidates may be comfortable applying to fewer GS programs, just as less-competitive applicants may feel the need to buffer their application with more IP and GS applications. 6 Most applicants will not secure an interview at every program to which they apply.…”

“…We previously provided recommendations to assist aspiring cardiothoracic surgeons in the process of developing competitive applications for integrated cardiothoracic surgery residency programs (IPs). 1 We hope this Young Surgeon's Note can serve as a foundation for individuals when applying to IPs and developing a rank order list (ROL). Several online resources exist for applicants interested in IPs, [2][3][4] including program websites, but these frequently lack additional information that may be pertinent to applicants' decision making.…”