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. 2016 May;18(5):479-84.
doi: 10.1016/j.hpb.2015.12.001. Epub 2016 Feb 18.

Qualities and characteristics of successfully matched North American HPB surgery fellowship candidates

Erin H Baker  1 , Jacob E Dowden  2 , Allyson R Cochran  1 , David A Iannitti  1 , Eric T Kimchi  2 , Kevin F Staveley-O'Carroll  2 , D Rohan Jeyarajah  3
Affiliations

Qualities and characteristics of successfully matched North American HPB surgery fellowship candidates

Erin H Baker et al. HPB (Oxford). 2016 May.

Abstract

Background: Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) fellowships in North America are difficult to secure with an acceptance rate of 1 in 3 applicants. Desirable characteristics in an HPB surgery applicant have not been previously reported. This study examines the perceptions of trainees and HPB program directors with regards to positive attributes in applicants for HPB fellowships.

Methods: Parallel surveys were distributed by email with a web-link to current and recent HPB fellows in North America (from the past 5 years) with questions addressing the following domains: surgical training, research experience, and mentorship. A similar survey was distributed to HPB fellowship program directors in North America requesting their opinion as to the importance of these characteristics in potential applicants.

Results: 32 of 60 of surveyed fellows and 21 of 38 of surveyed program directors responded between November 2014-February 2015. Fellows overall came from fairly diverse backgrounds (13/32 were overseas medical graduates) about one third of respondents having had some prior research experience. Program directors gave priority to the applicant's interview, curriculum vitae, and their recommendation letters (in order of importance). Both the surveyed fellows and program directors felt that the characteristics most important in a successful HPB fellowship candidate include interpersonal skills, perceived operative skills, and perceived fund of knowledge.

Conclusion: Results of this survey provide useful and practical information for trainees considering applying to an HPB fellowship program.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Summary of fellows' responses regarding number or programs applied to, interviews offered and attended, and programs ranked
Figure 2
Figure 2
Average rating (scale 1–7) of HPB fellowship applicant desired qualities and characteristics. Higher average rating indicates a stronger preference for the quality or characteristic
Figure 3
Figure 3
Summary of average importance (scale 1–7) of various characteristics of applicants by program directors. Higher average rating indicates a stronger degree of reported importance for the quality or characteristic
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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