(1/11)Aspiring CTSurgeons! Finalizing your Rank List for the #Match? Here’s a #Tweetorial for considerations when ranking Integrated CT programs, in no order of importance. Weigh each factor w regard to what you value. Reply w questions/comments! #cardiotwitter @TSRA @TSSMNetwork
(2/11) Emphasis on Cardiac and/or Thoracic Training:
Consider if there is equivalent time dedicated to thoracic and cardiac rotations, or emphasized focus on thoracic surgery vs cardiac surgery. Can you elect to focus in cardiac or thoracic surgery?
Consider if there is equivalent time dedicated to thoracic and cardiac rotations, or emphasized focus on thoracic surgery vs cardiac surgery. Can you elect to focus in cardiac or thoracic surgery?
(3/11) Variety in Cardiac and Thoracic Training: What is the variety of exposure to thoracic/cardiac cases? Foregut operations in thoracic surgery, minimally invasive/VATS, robotics, transcatheter, open procedures. How is exposure to fields of subspecialty (transplant, etc)?
(4/11) Operative Volume: Is there capacity to perform cases (i.e. nursing staff, OR availability)? What are the most common procedures performed? Complexity/variety of cases? How many cases do residents perform each week? How are cases shared with traditional and 4/3 fellows?
(5/11) Operative Autonomy: Consider the proportion of time spent on the surgeon’s side of the table. What are the operative components performed at varying levels of training? Are there difficulties meeting any graduation requirements?
(6/11)Non-Operative Duties: What are requirements for spending time in clinic? What is the resident role in fielding consults, pre-op eval, and post-op care in ICU and wards? What is the role of advanced practice providers? What are non-operative duties in senior fellowship yrs?
(7/11) Rotations: What is the exposure to community/private practice models? Do residents rotate at VA hospitals? How many hospitals are residents required to cover? How far apart are rotation sites? What is the rotation structure like year-to-year? Is there early CT exposure?
(8/11) Academic Pursuits: Do programs emphasize training surgeon-scientists, or equally support private practice? Is dedicated research time required/forbidden? Advanced degrees offered? Funding provided? Can you pursue alternative Ed activities (i.e. critical care fellowships)?
(9/11) Fellowships and First Jobs: Does the program offer fellowships specific to your career aspirations (i.e. transplantation, congenital, etc). Are there accessible mentors in your desired field of specialty? Where do recent grads go?Fellowships, private practice, academics?
(10/11) Work-Life Balance and Community: Geographic preferences, outdoor activities, social scene, housing prices, job opportunities for spouses, local schools, familial/marital status of colleagues. Is there sense of community among integrated CT residents? 80hr week adhered to?
(11/11) Institutional Culture: What is the frequency/structure of didactics? Is there formal mentorship? Resident/faculty dynamics? Is there a clear hierarchy? How is the culture of feedback? What is the operating room environment like? How is faculty recruitment and/or turnover?
