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Sundel M, Cairns C, Kavic SM. Cutting Ties: General Surgery Residents Have Higher Attrition Rates Than Residents in Other Surgical Training Programs. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2024; 81:900-904. [PMID: 38749817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Attrition rates among general surgery residents are notoriously high relative to other specialties. The aim of this study was to compare annual resident attrition rates between general surgery and other surgical subspecialties and to examine these trends in recent years. DESIGN This was a retrospective study performed using Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Data Resource Books from 2012-2022. Annual attrition rate and average ten-year attrition rate were calculated for general surgery and surgical specialties. Differences were assessed by Pearson chi-square test. SETTING All ACGME accredited residency programs in the United States were included. RESULTS General surgery residencies had a significantly higher average annual attrition rate (3.3%) than all other surgical specialties studied except thoracic surgery. Most attrition among general surgery residents was voluntary and these rates did not appear to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Attrition among general surgery residents is higher than in other surgical specialties, suggesting that early specialization may be protective against resident attrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Sundel
- University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 S Greene Street, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Cassandra Cairns
- University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 S Greene Street, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stephen M Kavic
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S Greene Street, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Qamar F, Tasnim S, Yu YR, Cannada LK, Reyna C, Tan SA, Oropallo A. Survey results of COVID-19 pandemic on female surgical trainees: New normal work environment. Surgery 2024:S0039-6060(24)00311-8. [PMID: 38918110 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2024.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on surgical training globally. We aimed to explore and identify the specific challenges faced by women surgeons during the pandemic and provide recommendations for improvement. METHODS A survey was conducted among trainee members of the Association of Women Surgeons, assessing various aspects of clinical training, mental well-being, and personal and professional life. RESULTS The respondents were distributed across the United States, with the majority (28%) from the Midwest and Northeast. Training settings were predominantly academic university hospital programs (85%). The majority (92%) were resident trainees and 32% were in research. General surgery, constituting 86% of the respondents, was the most common specialty. There was a decline in surgical cases, research, mental health, and quality of didactics. Limited learning opportunities and challenges in job search were reported. Although virtual conferences were deemed affordable, the lack of networking was noted to be significant. CONCLUSION The study highlights the need for ongoing support and adaptation in surgical training programs. These programs include the optimization of virtual platforms, prioritizing mental well-being, and ensuring equal opportunities. Strategies to mitigate the impact of future disruptions and promote gender equality are essential. Further research and workflow changes are warranted for effective capacity building.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Qamar
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow, DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX; Publications Committee, Association of Women Surgeons, Lexington, KY
| | - Sadia Tasnim
- Publications Committee, Association of Women Surgeons, Lexington, KY; General Surgery Resident, Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
| | - Yangyang R Yu
- Publications Committee, Association of Women Surgeons, Lexington, KY; Department of Surgery and Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Orange County, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA
| | - Lisa K Cannada
- Publications Committee, Association of Women Surgeons, Lexington, KY; Novant Health Orthopedic Fracture Clinic, University of North Carolina Department of Orthopedics Adjunct Professor, Charlotte, NC
| | - Chantal Reyna
- Publications Committee, Association of Women Surgeons, Lexington, KY; Associate Professor of Surgery, Section Chief of Breast, Department of Surgery, Crozer Health Hospitals, Springfield, PA
| | - Sanda A Tan
- Publications Committee, Association of Women Surgeons, Lexington, KY; Professor at the University of Central Florida, Department of Surgery, HCA Florida Healthcare, Pensacola, FL
| | - Alisha Oropallo
- Publications Committee, Association of Women Surgeons, Lexington, KY; Department of Vascular Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Hofstra University/Northwell Health, Hempstead, NY.
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Tang P, Newton P, Mori K. Impact of COVID-19 on surgical exposure and training for general surgery trainees in Australia: a national audit. ANZ J Surg 2024; 94:78-83. [PMID: 38115547 DOI: 10.1111/ans.18837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major disruption in operative volumes over the last few years, which has directly impacted on surgical training. This study aims to quantify the impact of COVID-19 and the relevant restrictions on General Surgery trainees in Australia. METHODS Logbook data of General Surgery trainees from 2019 to 2021 was analysed and compared to assess the impact of COVID-19 on operative numbers and supervision levels during major operations. RESULTS There was a statistically significant reduction in overall operative numbers in Australia, with a decrease of 2.0% in 2020 (IRR 0.980, 95% CI 0.973-0.986, P < 0.001) and 6.8% in 2021 (IRR 0.932, 95% CI 0.926-0.938, P < 0.001). Elective operations reduced by 6.6% in 2020 (IRR 0.934, 95% CI 0.927-0.942, P < 0.001) and 10.3% in 2021 (IRR 0.934, 95% CI 0.927-0.942, P < 0.001). Victoria and NT were the most affected jurisdictions; while hepatobiliary, trauma and surgical oncology were the most affected subspecialties. The proportion of overall primary operating has significantly decreased (41.8% vs. 40.2%, P < 0.001) between 2019 and 2020, and decreased further to 39.7% in 2021. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has had an overall negative impact on surgical training in General Surgery. Efforts should be directed at minimizing detraining of trainees and further disruptions to their training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Tang
- Department of Surgery, Northern Health, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Austin Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Newton
- Department of Surgery, Northern Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Krinal Mori
- Department of Surgery, Northern Health, Victoria, Australia
- Northern Clinical School, The University of Melbourne, Epping, Victoria, Australia
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