Engaging the Next Generation: Evaluating the Long-term Success of a Premedical Program in Cardiothoracic Surgery

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Cardiothoracic Surgery

Background:

• Early exposure to surgical specialties enhances student interest in surgical careers.
• Preclinical and premedical students benefit from early surgical specialty exposure.
• The impact of short-term undergraduate electives in cardiothoracic surgery requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term academic and career effects of an undergraduate cardiothoracic surgery elective.
• To evaluate the influence of a structured cardiothoracic surgery program on student trajectories.
• To understand how early surgical exposure impacts medical career choices.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of undergraduate cardiothoracic surgery intersession (CTIS) program participants (2003-2019).
• Survey of former participants regarding program impact on academic and career paths.
• Analysis of medical school matriculation and residency specialty data via AAMC database and online search.

Main Results:

• 97% of participants matriculated to medical school; 39% pursued surgical residencies.
• 5% of participants specifically chose cardiothoracic surgery.
• 94% of respondents found the CTIS program highly influential in their career decisions.

Conclusions:

• Intensive, structured early exposure programs in cardiothoracic surgery significantly shape undergraduate students' academic and career paths.
• Integrating students into the daily life of CT surgeons effectively attracts talent to the specialty.
• These programs are crucial for addressing future workforce challenges in cardiothoracic surgery.