Thoracic surgery program websites: Bridging the content gap for improved applicant recruitment.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Thoracic surgery training programs are essential for developing specialized surgeons.
• Prospective applicants rely on program websites for critical decision-making information.
• Current online content may not adequately meet the needs of potential trainees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the website content of all US thoracic surgery training programs.
• To identify specific areas where online information is lacking or insufficient.
• To provide recommendations for improving program websites to aid applicant recruitment.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of websites for 98 accredited US thoracic surgery fellowship and integrated residency programs.
• Assessment of 25 key online content items, including rotation details, application procedures, and faculty information.
• Data collection on alumni outcomes and program specifics.

Main Results:

• 92.9% of programs had websites, but only 33.0% of the evaluated content variables were present on average.
• Commonly found information included rotation details (75.8%) and application procedures (71.4%).
• Significant gaps were identified in reporting retention rates (0%), exam pass rates (5.5%), graduate placement (12.0%), and salary/benefits (27.5%).

Conclusions:

• US thoracic surgery program websites exhibit substantial content deficiencies.
• Key information crucial for prospective applicants, such as exam pass rates and graduate outcomes, is frequently absent.
• Enhancing website content presents a feasible strategy to improve the recruitment of qualified thoracic surgery trainees.