Can specialized surgical simulation influence resident career choice?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• The Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM) simulation course was introduced in 2007 to enhance surgical trainees' operative trauma experience.
• Assessing the impact of simulation-based training on career choices is crucial for surgical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the influence of the ATOM simulation course on residents' career choices in trauma surgery.
• To determine if the ATOM course increased the number of residents entering surgical critical care (SCC) fellowships.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of institutional data from 2002 to 2015 was conducted.
• Graduating general surgery residents were divided into pre-ATOM (2002-2008) and post-ATOM (2009-2015) cohorts.
• The percentage of residents entering SCC fellowships was compared between cohorts and against national data.

Main Results:

• Nationally, SCC fellowship entrance increased by 4.7% post-ATOM.
• Institutionally, SCC fellowship entrance rose by 15.7% post-ATOM, with 1 of 40 residents pre-ATOM and 9 of 51 post-ATOM entering SCC.
• The institutional increase in interest in SCC was significantly greater than national trends.

Conclusions:

• The ATOM simulation course positively impacted residents' interest in trauma as a career.
• Implementing the ATOM course within the curriculum led to a notable increase in residents pursuing trauma-related fellowships.