TY - JOUR
T1 - Success in pediatric surgery
T2 - An updated survey of Program Directors 2020
AU - Gupta, Shreya
AU - Jackson, Jordan E.
AU - Shindorf, Mackenzie L.
AU - Arthur, L. Grier
AU - Chandler, Nicole
AU - Danielson, Paul
AU - Downard, Cynthia
AU - Ehrlich, Peter
AU - Gaines, Barbara
AU - Gray, Brian
AU - Javid, Patrick
AU - Lallier, Michel
AU - Nwomeh, Benedict
AU - Tagge, Edward
AU - Weiss, Richard
AU - Mak, Grace
AU - Garrison, Aaron P.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2021
PY - 2022/10
Y1 - 2022/10
N2 - Background: One of the most competitive surgical sub-specialty fellowships remains Pediatric Surgery (PS), which requires candidates to develop a strong and research-oriented curriculum vitae. Although some objective factors of matriculation are known, factors for the interview selection and ranking per the program directors (PDs) have not been reviewed in over a decade. Methods: A web-based survey of US and Canadian PS program directors (PDs) (n = 58) was used to evaluate a comprehensive list of factors in the selection criteria for PS fellowships. A mix of dichotomous, ranking, five-point Likert scale, and open-ended questions evaluated applicant characteristics, ABSITE scores, research productivity, interview day, and rank order criteria. Results: Fifty-five programs responded to the survey for a 95% participation rate. PDs desired an average of two years in dedicated research and weighted first authorship and total number of publications heavily. Only 38% of programs used an ABSITE score cutoff for offering interviews; however, the majority agreed that an overall upward trend was important. Quality letters of recommendation, especially from known colleagues, carried weight when deciding to offer interviews. Interview performance, being a team player, observed interpersonal interactions, perceived operative skills and patient care, and leadership were some of the notable factors when finalizing rank lists. Conclusions: A multitude of factors define a successful matriculant, including quality of letters of recommendation, quality and quantity of publications, supportive phone calls, observed interactions, interview performance, perceptions of being team player with leadership skills as well as perceptions of good operative skills and patient care. Level of evidence: Type II. Type of study: Prognostic (retrospective).
AB - Background: One of the most competitive surgical sub-specialty fellowships remains Pediatric Surgery (PS), which requires candidates to develop a strong and research-oriented curriculum vitae. Although some objective factors of matriculation are known, factors for the interview selection and ranking per the program directors (PDs) have not been reviewed in over a decade. Methods: A web-based survey of US and Canadian PS program directors (PDs) (n = 58) was used to evaluate a comprehensive list of factors in the selection criteria for PS fellowships. A mix of dichotomous, ranking, five-point Likert scale, and open-ended questions evaluated applicant characteristics, ABSITE scores, research productivity, interview day, and rank order criteria. Results: Fifty-five programs responded to the survey for a 95% participation rate. PDs desired an average of two years in dedicated research and weighted first authorship and total number of publications heavily. Only 38% of programs used an ABSITE score cutoff for offering interviews; however, the majority agreed that an overall upward trend was important. Quality letters of recommendation, especially from known colleagues, carried weight when deciding to offer interviews. Interview performance, being a team player, observed interpersonal interactions, perceived operative skills and patient care, and leadership were some of the notable factors when finalizing rank lists. Conclusions: A multitude of factors define a successful matriculant, including quality of letters of recommendation, quality and quantity of publications, supportive phone calls, observed interactions, interview performance, perceptions of being team player with leadership skills as well as perceptions of good operative skills and patient care. Level of evidence: Type II. Type of study: Prognostic (retrospective).
KW - Applicant selection
KW - Match
KW - Pediatric surgery fellowship
KW - Program director survey
KW - Ranking
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U2 - 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.10.055
DO - 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.10.055
M3 - Article
C2 - 34865831
AN - SCOPUS:85123891328
SN - 0022-3468
VL - 57
SP - 438
EP - 444
JO - Journal of pediatric surgery
JF - Journal of pediatric surgery
IS - 10
ER -