Career In Surgery Research Articles

Association of Socioeconomic Status, Sex, Racial, and Ethnic Identity With Sustained and Cultivated Careers in Surgery.

Association of Socioeconomic Status, Sex, Racial, and Ethnic Identity With Sustained and Cultivated Careers in Surgery.

C-CASE 2023: Promoting Excellence in Surgical Education01. Near-peer tutoring: an effective adjunct for virtual anatomy learning02. Surgical Exploration and Discovery: perspectives on student-led debriefs in undergraduate surgical education03. How are emotions of medical residents and faculty in general surgery affected by new assessment mandates implemented in medical education?04. Equity, diversity and inclusion in medical residency: a Web-based analysis of Canadian

C-CASE 2023: Promoting Excellence in Surgical Education01. Near-peer tutoring: an effective adjunct for virtual anatomy learning02. Surgical Exploration and Discovery: perspectives on student-led debriefs in undergraduate surgical education03. How are emotions of medical residents and faculty in general surgery affected by new assessment mandates implemented in medical education?04. Equity, diversity and inclusion in medical residency: a Web-based analysis of Canadian

A Mentorship-Based Surgery Clerkship: A Prospective Study Investigating Student Satisfaction

BackgroundInterest in general surgery has steadily decreased among medical students due to negative perceptions of surgeons, a lack of meaningful clerkship involvement, and inadequate mentorship. We implemented a novel mentorship-based surgery clerkship (MBSC) in which each student was matched with a resident mentor with the goals of enhancing student learning experience, meaningfulness, and interest in surgery. We hypothesized that students participating in the MBSC would report increased confidence in surgical competencies, exposure to surgical faculty, and positive perception of surgery, with no detriment to clerkship grades. MethodsMentors were instructed to provide the following when asked by the student: (1) weekly feedback; (2) personalized goals; (3) daily cases; (4) specific videos; (5) presentation subjects; (6) operating room skills coaching. A 5-point Likert Scale survey was distributed to the students pre and post clerkship, and median differences in Likert Scale Score pre and post mentorship were compared between mentored and control groups using the unpaired Wilcoxon's test. This was a two-arm, nonrandomized trial comparing traditional curriculum with the mentored program. ResultsThe total sample size was n = 84. When comparing mentored to control, Wilcoxon's analysis showed greater post clerkship increases in confidence in operating room etiquette (P = 0.03), participating in rounds (P = 0.02), and suturing (P < 0.01). There were greater increases in perceived surgeon compassion (P = 0.04), respectfulness (P < 0.01), and teaching ability (P < 0.01). Median scores for meaningfulness overall (P = 0.01) and as measured as a feeling of positively impacting a patient (P = 0.02) were also increased when comparing mentored to control. More students were encouraged by a surgeon to pursue surgery (P = 0.01) and consider a surgery career themselves (P = 0.02). ConclusionsAn MBSC increases meaningfulness, confidence, skills, and exposure in various surgical competencies. Compared to nonmentored students, MBSC students have more positive perceptions of surgeons and are more likely to pursue surgery.

The impact of a shadowing program on medical students' interest in plastic surgery

Given the lack of formal education on plastic surgery servicesduring the preclinical years of medical school, many medical students commonly misunderstand the breadth and depth of the field. Shadowing is highly impactful in shaping students' desire to pursue surgery, but the impact of plastic surgery shadowing remains unexplored. The study design utilized an anonymous web-based survey containing questions surrounding prior interest in surgery, race, gender, medical school progress, and clinical versus OR shadowing. All medical students who participated in an ongoing, voluntary plastic surgery shadowing program over a two-year period were invited to complete the survey. Of the 54 students who shadowed during the study period, 43 (79.6%) returned the survey. Students reported an overall greater impact of OR shadowing than clinic shadowing on their interest in plastic surgery, approaching significance (p=0.0527). On simple and multivariate regression, the number of times a student shadowed in the OR was the only statistically significant predictor of students' interest in plastic surgery (p=0.0003). In general, the majority of students reported that their shadowing experience "significantly increased" (24.2%) or "somewhat increased" (45.5%) their interest in pursuing a career in plastic surgery. The impact of shadowing, particularly in the operating room, on students' interest in plastic surgery demonstrates the value of structured shadowing programs. Additionally, given the particularly influential effect of shadowing in the operating room, our results indicate that efforts may benefit most from facilitating student exposure to the hands-on aspects of the field.

Barriers to Academic Surgery in the US Armed Forces: A Study of the AAS Military Committee

IntroductionThe purpose of this study is to explore current perceptions within the military surgery community to stratify key obstacles to pursuing a career in academic surgery and identify opportunities for mitigation. MethodsAfter receiving institutional review board approval, an anonymous electronic survey was distributed to military surgeons across all branches. Survey response data were collected and analyzed using chi-square test. ResultsThe response rate was approximately 22%. Of those who responded to the survey, most are interested in an academic career (61.5%); however, 64% believe this to be much more difficult as a military surgeon than as a civilian surgeon. The top three perceived obstacles include administrative obstacles (76.4%), operational commitments (65.8%), and lack of funding for academic pursuits (62.7%). Most respondents indicated that they have never received formal education regarding how to apply for research funding (84.5%) and most do not have a research mentor (60.9%). Additionally, 42.9% state that obstacles to an academic career in surgery impact their decision to leave the military. Younger surgeons were more likely to leave the military upon completion of their service commitment (67.9% versus 46.4% aged 20-39 y, P = 0.02). ConclusionsWe characterized the perceived challenges to academic surgery within the military. These barriers between academic surgery and military service risk medical force attrition, particularly in future generations of surgeons. Dedicated faculty billets (positions) with limited operational demands as well as associated mentorship and research funding may enhance the retention and productivity of military surgeons.

Career goals of surgeons in Switzerland.

Recent studies from the United States and Germany have shown a general decline in the number of surgical residents, as trainees increasingly prioritize a positive work-life balance. The current study sought to evaluate the career goals of surgeons in Switzerland. Members of the Swiss College of Surgeons, being surgical consultant or attending regardless of specialty, were surveyed online as to their purported career goals, future employment ideals, aspired leadership positions, and managerial training. A total of 269 questionnaires were analysed. Most participants (93%) were board- certified and 30% of participants were female. With regard to desired specialty, 50% of participants intended to pursue a career in visceral surgery followed by general surgery, traumatology, hand and plastic surgery, vascular surgery and thoracic surgery. Regardless of specialty, 53% of respondents strived for the position of senior physician, while 28% indicated a desire to become chief physician. In terms of work environment, most participants preferred to seek employment at a cantonal hospital, followed by a rural hospital, a university hospital, private practice or a non-clinical setting. About half of respondents favoured the option of part time employment of 80% or less and about a quartile intended to retire before 62years of age. The current study found that surgeons in Switzerland remain highly motivated to pursue leadership positions in their respective fields. Going forward, the challenge will lie in reconciling the needs of the respective departments with the personal ambition, career opportunities, and desired work-life balance of young trainees.

Defining the good surgical resident: a resident and registrar perspective.

Surgical residency provides insight into the essential skills required to become a successful surgical registrar. However, the role of the surgical resident remains largely undefined. While the Royal Australasian College of Surgeon (RACS) JDocs framework provides a useful guide, no published research explores what defines a highly performing surgical resident. We investigate what constitutes a 'good' surgical resident from the surgical resident and accredited surgical registrar perspectives. We hope this knowledge will improve patient care and assist surgical residents towards becoming valuable team members and successful accredited surgical training candidates. A qualitative research approach was utilized employing reflexive thematic analysis. Using semi-structured interviews, 10 surgical residents and 10 accredited surgical registrars across eight surgical specialties were interviewed. Amongst surgical residents five themes were identified: efficiency: mastering the mundane, 'stepping up' to more responsibility, enthusiasm to learn, first do no harm: a safe practitioner, and lastly no resident is an island: a team player. Four themes described by accredited registrars included: somebody you can trust, finding a safe 'balance', a perfect fit: teamwork and communication and finally eagerness to improve. Themes correlated well with eight of 10 RACS competencies and the JDocs Framework. Our results reaffirmed the importance of developing early career non-technical skills. Explicit knowledge and understanding of these attributes used in conjunction with the core competency and JDocs frameworks may help those contemplating a career in surgery throughout their early surgical years.

“Sawbones”: A pilot study assessing simulation-based orthopedic training for medical students

IntroSimulation-based training has become a valuable new tool in medical education across the country. The Orthopedic Surgery Interest Group (OSIG) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine organized a benchtop training workshop known as “Sawbones” to give medical students essential exposure to basic techniques and instruments commonly used in orthopedic surgery. This pilot study seeks to investigate the participating students’ perceptions of this workshop as part of a potential longitudinal intervention. MethodsA total of 30 medical students (MS1-MS4) with a documented interest in orthopedic surgery were randomly selected via email invitation to participate in this workshop. Students first had a lecture-based training session with faculty on an overview of screw fixation. Participants then formed groups that were headed by an orthopedic resident or attending and took turns fixing fractures on model bones made of synthetic material. Following the session, students were sent an anonymous Qualtrics survey to assess their satisfaction with the workshop. ResultsA total of 22 students (73%), responded to the survey. On a ten-point scale, the average reported interest in orthopedics was 9.2 (SD 0.4). All students (n = 22, 100%) reported that they would like more hands-on orthopedic experiences as a component of their medical education. Nineteen students (86.4%) reported that this training increased their interest in pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery and twenty-one (95.5%) further stated that they would recommend this training to other students. DiscussionBased on the results of this pilot study, Sawbones was promising at engaging students in orthopedics, providing a team environment, and introducing students to orthopedic skills and instrumentation. Providing these sessions in a longitudinal manner could provide opportunities for mentorship and better prepare students for a residency in orthopedics. We recommend a program like Sawbones to better address the lack of Orthopedic exposure in medical school.

32 Enhancing Equity in a Widening Participation Scheme for School Students

Abstract Aim The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) Diversity Review 2021 found pre-medical school students from ethnic minority backgrounds were dissuaded from pursuing a career in surgery. Gloucestershire is in the bottom 20% of deprivation; with no widening participation (WP) scheme in the county. We implemented an inclusive WP scheme in Gloucester, with means of accessing virtual and face-to-face work-experience, to enhance the equity of work-experience. Method A three-stage project was conducted; 1; virtual Q&amp;A sessions, asking questions about life as a doctor; 2; conversation between the student and patient held virtually, to gain insight into whether medicine is the right career; 3; face-to-face work-experience. Distribution sent to all 58 schools in the county. Results 129 people attended the Q&amp;A; 70 feedback responses received. 86% female, 56% of ethnic minority background. 26% did not have an immediate family member that attended university, 10% had caring responsibilities. 81% rated the session &amp;gt;8/10 for usefulness. 27 undertook the virtual conversation, feedback from 11; 91% female, 45% of ethnic minority background, 27% did not have an immediate family member that attended university. All rated the session 10/10 for usefulness. Conclusions The RCS Report identified barriers with aspiring students from less-privileged backgrounds pursuing a career in surgery. More needs to be done with WP schemes to promote equity. Targeted distribution of WP schemes to all schools, utilisation of a means of offering work-experience, and accessibility to a younger age-group were aspects of our WP, to improve the equity of work-experience in the county.

614 “Women in Surgery – Breaking Stereotypes”: Value of Organising WINS Sessions Early in Medical Teaching to Tackle Stereotypes

Abstract Aim Despite 59% medical students being female, only 12% consultant surgeons in the UK are female. This study explores the value offered by teaching sessions to promote Women in Surgery (WINS) and help tackle stereotypes amongst medical students. Method A virtual session aimed at medical students delivered by a female surgeon who shared her journey of being and becoming a surgeon was offered. A post-session survey collected data from the attendees on their perceptions of the challenges women face in pursuing a career in surgery. Free-text data from the survey were analysed thematically. Results Three key themes emerged based on the views attendees shared on the challenges women face in surgery– ‘women cannot make good surgeons’; ‘surgery is harder for females to access’ and ‘women are more family-orientated with less passion for the job’. Following the session, the participants were asked to share their key learning points which they identified as ‘women can make excellent surgeons’; ‘support is available’ and ‘work-life balance is possible’. Overall, all participants stated that the session motivated them in taking up a career in surgery. Conclusions Our results indicate that direct early medical student-to-surgeon engagement is significant in addressing misconceptions which might be helpful in dealing with some stereotypes surrounding WINS. Well-informed students are more likely to pursue surgery as a career, addressing current gender disparities. Feedback indicated that attendees valued personal insights and experiences of the invited speaker and this information is of value to inform future interventions which help address issues of representation of females in surgery.

1110 Reconstructing the Stereotype - a Systematic Review of Medical Students’ Perceptions, Awareness, and Influences for a Career in Plastic Surgery

Abstract Aim This systematic literature review evaluates medical students’ knowledge and perceptions of plastic surgery as a primary outcome, whilst identifying barriers and facilitators to choosing a career in plastic surgery as a secondary outcome. Method A systematic literature search was conducted on EMBASE, PubMed, PsychInfo and Web of Science according to the PRISMA statement. Three independent reviewers screened the studies on COVIDENCE to set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cochrane and STROBE checklists were used for risk of bias assessment as well as a qualitative and quantitative synthesis of the results. Results A total of 17 studies were included after inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The most frequently reported negative perceptions concerned a focus on non-life saving cosmetic procedures, with little variety and the salience of financial incentives. Positive perceptions included financial benefits, skills, and challenging specialty. Studies after 2010 identified social media as a significant determinant of perception and awareness of plastic surgery, whilst studies prior to 2010 suggested that lectures and student-surgeon interaction were the primary influence. Plastic surgery courses or rotations had a positive effect on perceptions, awareness, and interest in the specialty. Conclusions There is a lack of knowledge of the breadth of plastic surgery driving negative perceptions, with greater awareness of cosmetic surgery amongst medical students. Social media is an important influencer of student perception of plastic surgery. Greater positive exposure to plastic surgery and its subspecialties both in medical school and on social media may represent an important avenue for future recruitment to the specialty.

201 The Surgical Hour: Improving the Surgical Footprint of Undergraduate Surgical Teaching

Abstract Aim To deliver an online surgical teaching programme for medical students to enhance undergraduate surgical education and evaluate its effectiveness. The drive was for increasing the surgical footprint in a curriculum surgeons felt lacked exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method Surgical speakers across 9 different surgical specialties were recruited via email. Topics included basic surgical principles, common pathologies, the surgical portfolio and surgical innovation. The programme was advertised to students via social media and a newsletter. Quantitative and qualitative feedback was collected via attendee feedback forms. Attendees’ knowledge in topics covered before and after each lecture was measured via self-assessment using a 5-point Likert scale. A paired t-test was performed to measure pre- and post-session knowledge. Results 17 lectures were delivered between October 2021 and May 2022. 463 feedback forms were completed across the series by students across all years. Mean knowledge ratings improved after each session. 16/17 teaching sessions produced a statistically significant improvement in surgical knowledge (p&amp;lt;0.05). The most statistically significant improvement was seen following the acute abdomen lecture (p = 0.00) Vascular surgery showed an increase from 2.8 to 4 (p = 0.07). Common themes in written feedback were relevance to clinical practice, enthusiastic speakers, and exposure to content not otherwise taught in the curriculum. Conclusions Supplementary surgical series successfully address the demand for increased surgical teaching within the undergraduate curriculum. They improve insight into a career in surgery with exposure to positive role models, significant improvement in knowledge and practical advice on career development, empowering students to pursue surgery.

Investing in the Future: A Premedical Surgical Elective for Undergraduate Students.

Research has shown that providing surgical exposure and mentorship before clerkship can bolster interest and cultivate quality surgical residents. However, most studies have focused exclusively on programs for 1st and 2nd year medical students. The purpose of this study is to describe a novel undergraduate premedical surgical elective (PMSE) and the interests and perceptions of PMSE participants of the surgical field. Undergraduate students applied for a semester long PMSE that included surgical shadowing, mentorship, a research component, attendance at seminars, and hands-on workshops. Post-PMSE completion, participants were invited to complete an online survey about their perceptions of pursuing a career in surgery and their specialties of interest. Thirty-six PMSE participants completed the survey (21 females and 15 males). More than half (57%) of female respondents expressed interest in a surgical career. Most respondents (78%) agreed or strongly agreed that they are confident in their ability to become a surgeon. A lower proportion of female respondents (33%) believed the atmosphere of the surgical field to be inclusive than males (53%). Males accumulated significantly more surgical shadowing hours than females (P < .05). Findings from this study describe a novel PMSE at a large undergraduate institution. Survey data of PMSE participants revealed a high proportion of female respondents would like to pursue a career in surgery and reported confidence in achieving this. However, females perceived the field to be less inclusive than male respondents. Improving inclusivity may require increased focus and attention by PMSEs and surgical education programs.

Obstacles Deterring Medical Students From Pursuing a Career in the Field of Surgery in Jazan University, Saudi Arabia.

Particularly in Saudi Arabia, there is a dearth of trained specialists in the field of surgery. Understanding the obstacles that discourage medical students and residents from pursuing a surgical career is essential for resolving this shortage. This study intended to investigate the characteristics that influence medical students and trainees at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, to pursue a career in surgery. This observational study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional approach. The intended audience consisted of fourth- to sixth-year medical students and medical residents. The questionnaire gathered information on demographics, academic year, previous surgical experience, perceptions of surgery as a specialty, and variables influencing career selections. Out of 413 participants, 74.3% were considering a surgical career, with 24.4% interested in general surgery, followed by cardiac surgery (14.3%) and pediatric surgery (12.4%). Factors influencing career decisions included potential income (82%), the possibility of part-time work (82%), and partial leave (74%). A significant proportion of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the incidence of suicide (62%) and the risk of depression (72%) are higher in surgical specialties. Female participants were more likely to agree that their chance of becoming a spouse could be affected by a surgical career (p=0.002) and that meeting role models could influence their choice of surgical specialty (p=0.015). Work-life balance, long working hours, and mental health concerns are identified as variables that discourage medical students and residents from pursuing a surgical career in the study. Efforts to encourage work-life balance, minimize workload, and provide support and resources for mental health issues should help surgeons suffer less stress and burnout. Moreover, encouraging an open-minded attitude and de-stigmatizing mental health concerns in the medical field should encourage individuals to seek assistance when necessary and lower the incidence of suicide and depression. Finally, tackling gender discrimination and encouraging diversity and inclusion in surgical specialties could attract more skilled surgeons.

The 2023 A. Hamblin Letton Lecture, Southeastern Surgical Conference Lecture "Choices Matter in Cancer Surgery: A Life's Journey".

Attaining a successful career in cancer surgery depends on many choices. In this paper based on the Letton Lecture from the 2023 Southeastern Surgical Conference, Dr. Jennifer Tseng reflects on the choices that enabled her current work.

How can we inspire junior trainees to consider a career in plastic surgery as a basis to pursue humanitarian work?

How can we inspire junior trainees to consider a career in plastic surgery as a basis to pursue humanitarian work?

Association of Socioeconomic Status, Sex, Racial, and Ethnic Identity With Sustained and Cultivated Careers in Surgery.

Examine the association between sex, race, ethnicity, and family income, and the intersectionality between these identities, and sustained or cultivated paths in surgery in medical school. This retrospective cohort study examines US medical students who matriculated in academic years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. Data were provided by the Association of American Medical Colleges, including self-reported sex, race, ethnicity, family income, interest in surgery at matriculation, and successful placement into a surgical residency at graduation. This study examined 2 outcomes: (1) sustained path in surgery between matriculation and graduation for students who entered medical school with an interest in surgery and (2) cultivated path in surgery for students who entered medical school not initially interested in surgery and who applied to and were successfully placed into a surgical residency at graduation. Among the 5074 students who reported interest in surgery at matriculation, 2108 (41.5%) had sustained path in surgery. Compared to male students, female students were significantly less likely to have sustained path in surgery [adjusted relative risk (aRR): 0.92 (0.85-0.98)], while Asian (aRR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.74-0.91), Hispanic (aRR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.59-0.83), and low-income (aRR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78-0.92) students were less likely to have a sustained path in surgery compared to their peers. Among the 17,586 students who reported an initial interest in a nonsurgical specialty, 1869 (10.6%) were placed into a surgical residency at graduation. Female students, regardless of race/ethnic identity and income, were significantly less likely to have cultivated paths in surgery compared to male students, with underrepresented in medicine female students reporting the lowest rates. This study demonstrates the significant disparity in sustained and cultivated paths in surgery during undergraduate medical education. Innovative transformation of the surgical learning environment to promote surgical identity development and belonging for females, underrepresented in medicine, and low-income students is essential to diversify the surgical workforce.

Individual and Program-Related Predictors of Academic Vascular Surgery Practice

Several studies have explored factors affecting academic employment in surgical subspecialties; however, vascular surgery has not yet been investigated. We examined which elements of surgical training predict future academic productivity and studied characteristics of NIH-funded vascular surgery attendings. With approval from the APDVS, the database of recent vascular surgery fellowship (VSF) and integrated vascular surgery residency (IVSR) graduates was obtained, and public resources (Doximity, Scopus, PubMed, NIH, etc.) were queried for research output during and after training, completion of dedicated research years, individual and program NIH funding, current practice setting and academic rank. Adjusted multivariate regression analyses were conducted for postgraduate academic productivity. From 2013-2017, there were 734 graduates. 603 completed VSF and 131 IVSR; 220 (29%) were female. Academic employment was predicted by MD degree, advanced degree, training at a top NIH-funded program, number publications by end of training, and H-index. Dedicated research time before or during vascular training, advanced degree, or graduating from a top NIH-funded program were predictors of publishing >1 paper/year. Number of publications by end of training and years in practice were predictive of H-index ≥5. VSF vs. IVSR pathway did not have an impact on future academic employment, annual publication rate as an attending, or H-index. Characterization of NIH-funded attendings showed that they often completed dedicated research time (72%) and trained at a top NIH-funded program (79%). Mean publications by graduation among this group was 15.82±11.3, and they averaged 4.31±4.2 publications/year as attendings. Research output during training, advanced degrees, and training at a top NIH funded program predict an academic vascular surgery career. VSF and IVSR constitute equally valid paths to productive academic careers.

Gender associations with selection into Australian General Surgical Training: 2016-2022.

For those who have maintained an interest in general surgery after medical school and their early post-graduate years, selection is the first step to a career in general surgery. Identifying differences secondary to gender in selection tools and their outcomes should assist the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Board in General Surgery to improve gender equity in the general surgical workforce. Selection tools for general surgery include the curriculum vitae (CV), referee report (RR) and multiple mini-interview (MMI). All applicants' CV, RR and MMI scores achieved in the general surgery selection process were reviewed by gender over a seven-year period. In all years, there were lower numbers of female applicants to selection. There were differences identified between genders in the CV and MMI, with females scoring lower in the CV and higher in the MMI when compared to males. There were no differences identified in the RR or proportion of applicants that were successful in their application based on gender. The CV and MMI utilized for selection into general surgery were associated with gender bias. However, the lower number of females selected into training reflects the lower number of female applicants overall. There was no overall impact from gender found in an applicant's ability to be selected into general surgery in Australia.

A nationwide survey of Turkish medical students' upon interest and decision for cardiovascular surgery as a future career: A cross-sectional survey.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the current interest of Turkish medical students to pursue a career in cardiovascular surgery and to identify possible factors which positively or negatively affected their decisions. Between January 2022 and August 2022, a cross-sectional survey of 34 questions was created using the Google Forms online survey platform. Questions were directed to participants to evaluate demographic features, interest level in cardiovascular surgery, interest in other specialty programs, and interest in residency abroad using fivepoint Likert scales. A total of 5338 Medical Students were reached who were balanced to 7 geographical regions across Türkiye and 1233 (23%) medical students participated in the questionnaire. Of the respondents, 544 were males and 689 were females with a mean age of 21.2±0.5 (range, 17 to 28) years. More than half of the students (56.2%) considered residency training programs in Türkiye. Cardiology had the highest preference rate for residency training (8.3%), followed by cardiovascular surgery (7.5%). More than one-third of students (36.5%) who were interested in pursuing a career in cardiovascular surgery decided to be trained abroad. Achieving a prestigious job, motivation for life saving, prioritizing innovations, and high academic studies were the main factors that positively affected the perspective of students on cardiovascular surgery, while stressful surgeries, intense and tiring night shifts, and a relatively poor social life/work balance were the main deterrent factors. Attendance to cardiovascular surgeries positively affected the decisions of students (p=0.008). Although it is thought that the interest in pursuing a career in cardiovascular surgery has reduced in recent years all over the world, our study shows that cardiovascular surgery still continues to be a popular specialty among Turkish medical students. Therefore, we believe that guiding medical students by using their current potential and encouraging the students to attend cardiovascular surgeries more frequently throughout their education life are essential in choosing cardiovascular surgery as a future career option.