Vascular surgery interest groups provide a targeted approach to mentorship and recruitment

Abstract

ObjectiveVascular surgery is a rapidly evolving specialty, and recruitment is imperative for its future. Vascular surgery interest groups (VSIGs) aim to provide students with early targeted exposure and mentorship. The objective of this study was to review the impact of a VSIG at a major academic center without an affiliated integrated residency program. MethodsThe activities of the VSIG at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) from 2016 to 2022 were reviewed and summarized. All published references for abstract presentations at national, regional, and local vascular surgery conferences by VCU medical students were reviewed. ResultsAbstract presentations at national, regional, and local vascular surgery conferences increased 657% from 2015 to 2022 following the establishment of the VSIG at VCU. From 2016 to 2022, there were 17.1 ± 9.0 abstract presentations year in comparison to only 2.7 ± 0.9 per year from 2010 to 2015 (P = .004). Over this same time, the number of students matched into vascular surgery residency also increased 300%, despite the lack of an affiliated residency program. ConclusionsSince its foundation in 2016, the VSIG at VCU has expanded medical student exposure, research productivity, and the number of students matched into vascular surgery residency. VSIGs provide a foundation for early targeted mentorship and recruitment, and may be a critical strategic tool for diversity, equity, and inclusion recruitment.