Does Global Surgery Interest Influence the Choice of Surgical Residency Program?

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Surgical Education
• Medical Training

Background:

• Medical students and surgical residents show significant interest in global health and international surgery opportunities.
• However, a limited number of surgery residency programs (18%-34%) offer these valuable international experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the influence of international surgery opportunities on the residency match ranking decisions of fourth-year medical students.
• To understand the prevalence of global surgery interest and prior volunteerism among these students.

Main Methods:

• A 20-question anonymous survey was administered to 97 fourth-year medical students interviewing for general surgery residency.
• The survey collected data on prior volunteerism, interest in global surgery, and the importance of international opportunities during residency.

Main Results:

• A 66% response rate was achieved. The majority of students expressed interest in programs offering international opportunities.
• Half of the students indicated they would rank a program higher if it provided international experience. Immigrant students were more likely to do so.
• 78% planned international volunteering post-residency, with two-thirds aiming to incorporate global surgery into their careers.

Conclusions:

• There is substantial student interest in global surgery and international volunteer work within surgical residency applicants.
• Residency programs offering international opportunities are likely to be ranked higher by interested medical students.
• Prior volunteer experience is common, and many students aspire to careers in academic global surgery.