Attributes of Successful Thoracic Surgery Residency Matriculants: Could It Be Mentorship?

Abstract

Thoracic surgery training has transformed during the past 2 decades. Over time, there is an increasing emphasis on simulation and outside of the operating theater educational training. 1 Spratt J.R. Brunsvold M. Joyce D. et al. Prospective Trial of Low-Fidelity Deliberate Practice of Aortic and Coronary Anastomoses (TECoG 002). J Surg Educ. 2019; 76: 844-855 Crossref PubMed Scopus (6) Google Scholar ,2 Yokoyama H. Introducing off-the-job training to cardiovascular surgical residency training: a new era of developing competent cardiovascular surgeons. Surg Today. 2019; 49: 300-310 Crossref PubMed Scopus (7) Google Scholar While there are increasing numbers of integrated 6-year (I-6) training programs, 3 Chikwe J. Brewer Z. Goldstone A.B. Adams D.H. Integrated thoracic residency program applicants: the best and the brightest?. Ann Thorac Surg. 2011; 92: 1586-1591 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (28) Google Scholar there remain a significant number of traditional 5+2 and 5+3 thoracic surgery (TS) training programs. The type of applicant for each type of training program differs and has changed over time. 4 Varghese Jr., T.K. Mokadam N.A. Verrier E.D. et al. Motivations and demographics of I-6 and traditional 5+2 cardiothoracic surgery resident applicants: insights from an academic training program. Ann Thorac Surg. 2014; 98: 877-883 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (14) Google Scholar Characteristics of Matriculants to Thoracic Surgery Residency Training ProgramsThe Annals of Thoracic SurgeryVol. 112Issue 6PreviewThoracic surgery (TS) residency positions are in high demand. There is no study describing the nationwide attributes of successful matriculants in this specialty. We examined the characteristics of TS resident applicants and identified factors associated with acceptance. Full-Text PDF Digital Mentorship in Cardiothoracic Surgery in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 EraThe Annals of Thoracic SurgeryVol. 114Issue 2PreviewDr Whitson’s article1 synthesizes the attributes of successful traditional thoracic surgery (TS) residents. We commend Dr Whitson for recognizing academic productivity may be attributed to strong mentorship. A survey of TS trainees confirmed 84% of respondents had a mentor, of which most viewed mentorship as impacting their specialty choice and as critical to success.2 Mentorship and sponsorship continue to play a critical role in surgical career development and have been associated with increased faculty retention and career longevity. Full-Text PDF