Critical issues in vascular surgery: Education in Brazil

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Vascular surgery practice and education exhibit global variability.
• Brazil has over 3000 practicing vascular surgeons, with a structured educational pathway.
• Endovascular training in Brazil is typically a post-residency mini-fellowship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify critical issues in vascular surgical education in Brazil.
• To present the perspective of the Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular (SBACV).

Main Methods:

• An informal survey was conducted.
• Residency program directors and SBACV National Board members were surveyed.

Main Results:

• Two critical issues were identified: funding and endovascular training.
• Funding challenges include low resident stipends, unpaid instructors, and industry-financed endovascular fellowships.
• Endovascular training needs to accommodate new graduates and practicing surgeons.

Conclusions:

• Inadequate funding for vascular surgery educational programs is a major concern.
• Effective training in endovascular techniques for current and future surgeons is essential.
• These two areas represent the most significant challenges for Brazilian vascular surgical educators.