Early Career Experiences of Cardiothoracic Surgery Graduates by Training Model: A National Survey

As the practice of cardiothoracic surgery continues to evolve, the optimal training model represents an area of uncertainty. We sought to describe and to compare the early career experiences of cardiothoracic surgery graduates from the 3 training models.

An anonymous survey with questions pertaining to an individual's demographic characteristics, training model, first employment experience, experience as junior faculty, career satisfaction, and personal reflection was sent to graduates from US cardiothoracic surgery training programs between 2012 and 2020. Respondents completed a traditional fellowship (2-3 years), a 4+3 model, or an integrated 6-year (I-6) residency.

Of the 670 graduates who received the survey, there were 267 (40%) respondents. Of these, 209 (78%) respondents graduated from a traditional fellowship, 27 (10%) respondents graduated from a 4+3 pathway, and 31 (12%) respondents graduated from an I-6 residency. There was no difference in overall satisfaction, major case volume, operative autonomy, burnout, and lifestyle satisfaction between the models (P>.05). When respondents were asked about the ideal model, the 4+3 and I-6 models were favored by its graduates, regardless of the surgeons' field of practice.

Important early career outcomes were not different between graduates of traditional, 4+3, or I-6 models. Most graduates of the 4+3 and I-6 models believe these are the ideal training models, regardless of their field of practice.