Traits of the Current Traditional Pathway Cardiothoracic Surgery Training Pool: Results of a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Objective As new paradigms for cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) training emerged in recent years, the traditional 2- or 3-year pathway has persisted as an option for trainees completing general surgery residencies. While the applicant pool for 6-year integrated (I-6) CTS training programs has been superficially explored, little data exist characterizing those applicants to the traditional CTS pathway and the impact of I-6 expansion on the traditional applicant pool. Methods We reviewed materials from 2015-2020 from candidates applying to a single 2-year CTS training program. Descriptive and comparative analyses of multiple characteristics were performed over the years of the study. Results During the years 2015-2020, we received 571 applications, accounting for 72% of the total NRMP applicant pool. We saw no significant trends in numbers of peer-reviewed publications or presentations. There was a minimal year-to-year increase in number of first-authored posters, 2.04 in 2015 to 2.13 in 2020 (p = 0.008). Online publications, book chapters, and other publications were stable throughout the study period. Applicants consistently provided an average of 3.6 letters of recommendation, 1.9 from CTS faculty. Mean in-service score percentiles were stable at 54th percentile, while USMLE scores increased. Conclusions Despite expansion of the I-6 pathway to CTS, we have seen no substantial year-to-year changes in attributes of traditional applicants. Our findings suggest that the CTS applicant pool continues to be comprised of a stable group of highly productive trainees. Future initiatives in candidate selection should emphasize interview strategies to highlight aspects of grit, emotional intelligence, and team dynamics.