Garrett N Coyan1, Arman Kilic2, Thomas G Gleason2, Matthew J Schuchert1, James D Luketich1, Olugbenga Okusanya1, Angela Kinnunen1, Ibrahim Sultan3. 1. Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa. 2. Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa; Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa. 3. Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa; Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa. Electronic address: sultani@upmc.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Recruiting medical students to cardiothoracic surgery is critical given new training paradigms and projected cardiothoracic surgeon shortages. This study characterizes current perceptions and exposure to cardiothoracic surgery among all levels of medical students. METHODS: Currently active medical students at all levels at a US allopathic medical school were sent an invitation to complete an online survey. Baseline demographics, medical specialty interest, interest and exposure to cardiac surgery specifically, and awareness of procedures performed by cardiothoracic surgeons were evaluated. Five-point Likert scales were used to evaluate attitudes toward facets of the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Only complete surveys over the 4-week enrollment period were used for analysis. RESULTS: There were 126 surveys (22%) completed during the study period. Interest in cardiothoracic surgery at any point was indicated by 37% of students, but only 13% indicated an interest at the time of the survey. Interest among first-year students was greater than all other classes (30% vs <15%, P = .02). Lifestyle factors and personal attributes of cardiothoracic surgeons were noted as negative factors influencing cardiothoracic surgery perception, whereas intellectual challenge and clinical impact were cited as positive factors. Increasing interaction with faculty/residents and simulation experiences were factors noted to increase interest in the field. CONCLUSIONS: Although medical students report early interest in cardiothoracic surgery because of intellectual stimulation and patient care attributes, lack of early exposure and perceived poor lifestyle negatively affect interest in the field. Early interaction between students and cardiothoracic faculty/trainees along with early exposure opportunities may increase recruitment.
OBJECTIVES: Recruiting medical students to cardiothoracic surgery is critical given new training paradigms and projected cardiothoracic surgeon shortages. This study characterizes current perceptions and exposure to cardiothoracic surgery among all levels of medical students. METHODS: Currently active medical students at all levels at a US allopathic medical school were sent an invitation to complete an online survey. Baseline demographics, medical specialty interest, interest and exposure to cardiac surgery specifically, and awareness of procedures performed by cardiothoracic surgeons were evaluated. Five-point Likert scales were used to evaluate attitudes toward facets of the field of cardiothoracic surgery. Only complete surveys over the 4-week enrollment period were used for analysis. RESULTS: There were 126 surveys (22%) completed during the study period. Interest in cardiothoracic surgery at any point was indicated by 37% of students, but only 13% indicated an interest at the time of the survey. Interest among first-year students was greater than all other classes (30% vs <15%, P = .02). Lifestyle factors and personal attributes of cardiothoracic surgeons were noted as negative factors influencing cardiothoracic surgery perception, whereas intellectual challenge and clinical impact were cited as positive factors. Increasing interaction with faculty/residents and simulation experiences were factors noted to increase interest in the field. CONCLUSIONS: Although medical students report early interest in cardiothoracic surgery because of intellectual stimulation and patient care attributes, lack of early exposure and perceived poor lifestyle negatively affect interest in the field. Early interaction between students and cardiothoracic faculty/trainees along with early exposure opportunities may increase recruitment.
Authors: Edgar Aranda-Michel; James D Luketich; Rashmi Rao; Victor O Morell; George J Arnaoutakis; Arman Kilic; Courtenay Dunn-Lewis; Ibrahim Sultan Journal: JTCVS Open Date: 2022-02-23
Authors: Ariana Axiaq; Renier A B Visser; Manasi Shirke; Arwa Khashkhusha; Sara Zaidi; Raneesha Pillay; Christopher J Goulden; Amer Harky Journal: JTCVS Open Date: 2021-09-02
Authors: Garrett N Coyan; Edgar Aranda-Michel; Arman Kilic; James D Luketich; Olugbenga Okusanya; Danny Chu; Victor O Morell; Matthew Schuchert; Ibrahim Sultan Journal: J Card Surg Date: 2020-08-16 Impact factor: 1.778
Authors: Samiullah Dost; Lana Al-Nusair; Mai Shehab; Arwa Hagana; Aleena Hossain; Ahmed Jawad Dost; Aida Abdelwahed Journal: J Med Educ Curric Dev Date: 2022-01-12