CACCV SURVEY. “Real world” cardiovascular surgery training In argentina. Results: (Cardiovascular Surgery, Vascular Surgery and Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery)

Abstract

Objective: To identify the needs and demands of cardiovascular surgery trainee population in Argentina in order to enhance quality of learning. Methods: A voluntary, anonymous survey was created by Argentinian College of Cardiovascular Surgeons and distributed to members and non-members enrolled in different accredited cardiovas-cular surgery training pathways across Argentine. Results: A total of 83 trainees completed the survey (56.6% male). Fifty-one per cent chose for a combined training in cardiac and vascular surgery (cardiovascular), 34.9% only vascular and 14.5% pediatric cardiovascular surgery. The majority was part of an accredited training residency (59%). Most of respondents belonged to a public education system (49%). Prior general surgery training was informed by 67 (80.7%) surveyed. Endovascular training experience revealed that 17% per-formed > 50 annual procedures. However, 39.8% of participants reported not receiving endovascu-lar training. Open surgery experience showed that 40% of responders performed > 50 cases annually (16% > 100 cases). Almost one-third of participants (27.7%) indicated no having academic devel-opment time. The choice of specialty and training paradigm option (residence, concurrence or fel-lowship) was highly considered for employability (47% and 60.2% respectively). The majority expressed to be pleased with overall training. Conclusions: More academic development time, increasing the number of endovascular procedures and assessing mentoring must be seriously considered. An independent, not-for profit, physician-led organization that sets and monitors standards for successful training programs is necessary.