Vascular Surgery Training Positions and Applicant 10-Year Trends with Consideration for Further Expansion

Abstract

There is a significant shortage of vascular surgeons in the United States and projections for these practicing surgical specialists continue to worsen. Annual appraisal of our workforce recruitment and growth is imperative. Retrospective data were analyzed using the National Resident Matching Program from 2012-2022 applicant appointment years (specialty code for vascular surgery 450). Simple linear trend analysis was performed for the number of positions available and the number of applicants, stratified by fellowship or residency. Over the 10-year study period, the total vascular surgery trainee positions expanded from 161 to 202. Integrated residency positions increased (41 positions in 2012 vs. 84 in 2022) while available fellowship positions remained stagnant (120 in 2012 vs. 118 in 2022). Total applicants rose as well, from 213 to 311. In 2022, unmatched applicants have increased for both paradigms (25 fellowship and 84 residency applicants) and 100% of programs filled. On average, the number of residency positions offered increased by 4 each year (P<0.0001) and the number of fellowship positions increased by 0.5 each year (P=0.1617). The number of integrated residency applicants increased by approximately 9 per year (P=0.001), while the number of fellowships applicants increased by approximately 1.5 per year (P=0.121). Applicants for both vascular tracks have increased since 2012 indicating successful recruitment; however, all 2022 programs filled, leaving many applicants unmatched. Residency positions have continued to expand while fellowship positions have not. With the demonstrated surge among applicants, the disproportionate lack of increasing training positions, and the existing shortage of vascular surgeons, there is an urgency to meet the increasing demand. A concerted effort should be made toward adding additional residency and fellowship positions where feasible.