Vascular surgery knowledge and exposure obtained during medical school and the potential impact on career decisions

The pathway to primary certification in vascular surgery is evolving, requiring trainees to make earlier career decisions. The goal of this study was to evaluate exposure to and knowledge of vascular surgery obtained during medical school that could affect career decisions.

A survey was conducted of recent medical school graduates entering military residency programs. Questions were designed to ascertain the medical school attended and degree obtained, exposure to and perception of vascular surgery, and basic vascular surgery knowledge.

Of 316 individuals who were identified and sent surveys, 218 (69%) responded. There were 131 allopathic graduates (60%), 87 (40%) osteopathic graduates, and 53 (25%) were entering a surgical residency. Clinical clerkships (32%) were the primary reason for specialty selection, followed by lifestyle (29%). Most respondents (66%) did not have a vascular clinical clerkship. Regarding perception, 56% of respondents would consult interventional radiology for a peripheral arteriogram vs vascular surgery (39%). The mean score of the knowledge-based questions was 69%. Incoming postgraduate year (PGY) 1 surgical residents had a statistically higher mean score on the knowledge portion (P < .001). In addition, a positive correlation was noted with the number of weeks spent on a surgical (P < .03) and a vascular surgical (P < .001) rotation and the mean score. Subgroup analysis revealed a higher percentage of individuals with a vascular clerkship achieved a "high" score vs those without a vascular surgery clerkship (P < .001).

Our cohort of medical school graduates had limited exposure to and knowledge of vascular surgery. Providing more clinical exposure in medical school appears necessary to ensure success of the modified pathways for primary certification in vascular surgery.