Defining the Disparity: A Multi-Institutional Analysis of Factors Associated With Decreased Resident Operative Experience

Authors

• Adam D Price
• Darci C Foote
• Matthew R Woeste
• Leah K Winer
• Kelsey B Montgomery
• Motaz Al Yafi
• Jeffry T Nahmias
• Lauren M Postlewait
• Jeffrey M Sutton
• R Cutler Quillin
• Alexander R Cortez

Language

English

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Journal

Journal of Surgical Research

DOI

10.1016/j.jss.2023.08.028

PMID

37837821

PMCID

PMC10877667

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

1-1-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

Introduction: Technical learning in surgical training is multifaceted and existing literature suggests a positive relationship between case volume and proficiency. Little is known about factors associated with a decreased volume of operative experience. This study aimed to identify resident and program factors associated with general surgery residents (GSR) in the bottom quartile of logged case volume upon program completion.

Methods: A post hoc analysis of a multicenter study was used to examine case logs for categorical GSR. Participants included graduates between 2010 and 2020 from 20 programs. Residents below and above the 25th percentile for total operative volume were compared.

Results: The present study includes 1343 GSR who graduated over the 11-y period. In total, 336 residents were below the 25th percentile and 1007 residents were above the 25th percentile. Those below the 25th percentile were more likely to be female (41% versus 34%, P = 0.02), identify as underrepresented in medicine (22% versus 14%, P < 0.01), and pursue fellowship (86% versus 80%, P = 0.01) compared to those above the 25th percentile. Residents below the 25th percentile were more likely to have graduated from a low volume program (55% versus 25%, P < 0.01) and from top National Institutes of Health funded institutions (57% versus 52%, P = 0.01).

Conclusions: This study identified individual and program characteristics associated with lower operative volume of GSR. Understanding such characteristics will aid surgical educators to achieve better equity in training.

Keywords

Humans, Female, Male, Internship and Residency, Clinical Competence, Education, Medical, Graduate, Medicine, Fellowships and Scholarships, General Surgery, Case volume, Demographic, Operative experience, Program

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Price, Adam D; Foote, Darci C; Woeste, Matthew R; et al., "Defining the Disparity: A Multi-Institutional Analysis of Factors Associated With Decreased Resident Operative Experience" (2024). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 4296.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthmed_docs/4296