Short and Long-Term Outcomes From a Large Single Institution's Experience With Preliminary Surgical Residents

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Training Outcomes
• International Medical Graduates

Background:

• Preliminary surgical residency programs are crucial for training future surgeons.
• Understanding the long-term outcomes for residents, particularly International Medical Graduates (IMGs), is essential for program development.
• Assessing the impact of preliminary surgical training on subsequent career paths is vital for medical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short and long-term outcomes of preliminary surgical residents over an 18-year period.
• To compare the training and career trajectories of US graduates and IMGs.
• To identify factors influencing successful placement into ACGME-sponsored programs.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of 178 preliminary surgical residents (2006-2025).
• Outcomes assessed include completion of ACGME-sponsored programs, fellowship selection, and academic positions.
• Data considered country of origin and medical education status.

Main Results:

• 88% of IMGs and 84% of US graduates entered categorical US training programs.
• 106 residents trained in general surgery, with 78 IMGs completing subspecialty fellowships.
• IMGs trained in various surgical subspecialties, with few returning to their countries of origin.

Conclusions:

• Surgical programs can successfully train and place both US graduates and IMGs into advanced programs.
• IMGs demonstrate high rates of entry into US categorical programs and fellowships.
• IMGs are unlikely to return to their countries of origin after completing training in the US.