Cardiothoracic Surgery Training: An Honest and Anonymous Assessment of
the Trainee Experience
Abstract
Objective(s): Trainee assessments aim to identify areas for
improvement and address problems within training programs. However,
effectiveness is limited by an inability to assess programs anonymously.
We hypothesized concern for undesired repercussions may discourage
honest responses. To test this, we conducted a comprehensive survey of
trainees to assess their educational and work-related experiences
anonymously. Design: A 51-question survey was distributed
electronically to the Thoracic Surgery Residents Association (TSRA)
membership. Questions were multiple-choice. The Likert scale was
utilized. Setting: The survey was accessed electronically and
was completed by participants nationwide. Participants:
Trainees were incentivized to complete the survey with the opportunity
to receive a $50 gift card or TSRA textbook. 109 of 551 cardiothoracic
surgery trainees completed the survey. Results: 109 trainees
(109/551, 19.8%) completed the survey. 57.8% of respondents reported
complying with work hour restrictions, but 32.2% (n=35) did not feel
comfortable reporting violations honestly. The majority of respondents
agreed or strongly agreed that their program was preparing them to
independently perform low risk cardiac (4.19 [1.22]) and thoracic
(4.08 [1.13]) cases independently, 30.3% of chief residents
reported planning to pursue additional training. 66% of respondents
stated they would select the same program again. 33% reported having
high morale, 47.7% moderate and 19.3% poor or declining morale. 84.4%
of respondents did not feel their race or gender significantly impacted
their training, 26.6% reported systemic bias in recruitment of new
trainees or faculty, and 38.5% believed there was inadequate diversity
among faculty and trainees. 30.3% reported experiencing verbal or
physical harassment by an attending or fellow (14.7%).
Conclusions: Despite reporting an overall positive operative
experience, a significant number of trainees plan to pursue additional
training. The survey identifies important areas for attention including
underreporting of issues related to diversity, as well as verbal and
physical harassment by fellows and attendings.