ALEXANDER RYAN CORTEZ, M.D.

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Researchers analyzed case logs from 1,343 general surgery graduates across 20 programs to characterize the training experience of those who pursued a surgical oncology fellowship. Future oncology fellows performed more cancer-relevant operations — particularly liver, pancreas, and endocrine cases — and were more likely to train at university-based programs with dedicated oncology faculty and NCI cancer centers. Dedicated research time and institutional NIH funding were the strongest independent predictors of pursuing this fellowship path.

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This study looked at why some general surgery residents choose to specialize in vascular surgery, focusing on data from over 1,300 residents between 2010 and 2020. It found that only 10.1% of these residents pursued vascular surgery, and factors like being male (which increased likelihood by about 2.34 times) were important. Understanding these factors is crucial since there is an expected shortage of vascular surgeons in the future, and better insights could help guide training and recruitment efforts. Who this helps: This helps residency programs and medical educators improve training strategies for future vascular surgeons.

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This study looked at how gender affects the surgical training experience of female residents compared to male residents. It was found that female surgical residents performed about 37 fewer surgeries on average during their training, which can be as much as 1 to 3 months less experience. The research highlights significant obstacles faced by female residents, such as feeling pressured to complete non-surgical tasks first and experiencing disrespect in the operating room, indicating a need for better support and changes in training practices to ensure equal opportunities. Who this helps: This helps female surgical residents seeking equitable training experiences.

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This study looked at how certain factors influence whether general surgery residents pursue a specialized fellowship in colorectal surgery. It was found that residents who become colorectal surgeons are more likely to be female, have completed a specific clinical rotation in colorectal surgery during their fourth year, and have performed a higher volume of colorectal surgery cases. These insights are important because they can help shape training programs to attract more residents to this specialty, ensuring that more skilled surgeons enter the field. Who this helps: This helps future surgery residents and medical training programs.

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This study developed and tested a new assessment tool called the Transplant Operative Assessment Tool to help evaluate the surgical skills of trainees in transplant surgery. The tool looks at various aspects like anatomy knowledge, technical skills, and communication, and was used to assess 28 trainees during 82 operations, including 56 kidney transplants. The results showed that the tool is effective, with a high consistency score, and it can help track trainees’ progress and improve the quality of surgical education. Who this helps: This benefits surgical trainees and their educators by providing a robust way to monitor and enhance their skills in transplant surgeries.

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This study explored the effects of a technique called hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) on kidney transplants from deceased donors. Researchers looked at nearly 60,000 kidney transplant patients and found that while HMP kidneys had a higher overall rate of delayed graft function (DGF) at 34.4% compared to 30.9% for those using static cold storage, a detailed matched analysis showed that HMP actually reduced the risk of DGF to 29.8% versus 36.1% for static cold storage. This matters because reducing DGF can lead to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs for patients after kidney transplants. Who this helps: This helps kidney transplant patients.

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This study looked at how much surgery experience general surgery residents gain when they are planning to specialize in vascular surgery, compared to their peers who don’t have that focus. Researchers found that the residents aiming for vascular surgery performed significantly more vascular surgeries, with an average of 138 cases compared to just 100 for others. This is important because it shows that early specialization allows residents to get more hands-on experience, which can lead to better training and outcomes in their future careers. Who this helps: This benefits future vascular surgeons and their patients.

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A multi-institutional analysis of surgical training logs found that residents who went on to pursue breast surgical oncology fellowships performed 50% more breast operations during residency than their peers, despite having similar access to breast surgery rotations. However, these same residents logged fewer total cases across most other surgical domains. The pattern suggests future breast surgeons self-select toward breast cases early in training, with implications for how residency programs should be structured.

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This study looked at general surgery residents in the U.S. and how their experience with endocrine surgery, which involves glands like the thyroid, affects their chances of pursuing a fellowship in that specialty. Only 1% of the 1,240 residents studied matched into endocrine surgery fellowships, but those who did had performed significantly more endocrine surgeries (81 cases vs. 37 cases). Important factors that helped increase surgery exposure included having rotations specifically for endocrine surgery and having trained faculty, while lower funding levels were linked to less exposure. Who this helps: This research benefits surgery residents and training programs looking to enhance education in endocrine surgery.

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This study looked into why female residents in general surgery get less hands-on experience in the operating room compared to their male counterparts. Researchers found that 22% of women reported facing obstacles that hindered their ability to participate in surgeries, and more than half felt that their gender affected their training opportunities. The findings highlight that sexism and bias are significant barriers, and the residents suggested creating clearer guidelines and feedback systems to ensure fair access to surgical cases. Who this helps: This research benefits female surgery residents and helps ensure fair training opportunities for all genders.

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Researchers studied the use of human intestinal organoids (miniature 3D structures made from stem cells) to heal damaged small intestines. They found that when these organoids were delivered to injured areas in rats, they successfully integrated into the bowel, grew, and helped regenerate tissues, including the protective outer layer and muscle. This discovery is crucial because it shows how stem cell-derived organoids can be a potential treatment for serious bowel injuries, offering hope for patients needing repair after conditions like surgery or injury. Who this helps: Patients with damaged intestines or bowel diseases.

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This study looked at how race affects the number of surgeries that general surgery residents perform during their training. It found that 62% of Black residents faced barriers to getting enough surgical experience, compared to only 13% of their white counterparts. This discrepancy matters because it highlights the unequal opportunities for underrepresented residents, which can impact their training and career development. Who this helps: This helps underrepresented surgical residents and their future patients by promoting equitable training opportunities.

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A multi-institutional study of case logs from 1,343 general surgery graduates found that Black residents performed 76 fewer total cases than White residents after adjustment for other factors, a gap that persisted throughout the entire 11-year study period. The disparity was concentrated in surgeon junior cases — the hands-on, learning-level role — suggesting Black residents are getting fewer opportunities at the exact stage of training most critical for skill development. No evidence of narrowing over time was found.

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A post-hoc analysis of training logs from 1,343 general surgery residents identified characteristics associated with landing in the bottom quartile for total operative volume. Low-volume residents were more likely to be female, underrepresented in medicine, and training at low-volume or highly NIH-funded programs. The findings highlight that disparities in operative experience are shaped by both individual and institutional factors that can be targeted for intervention.

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A multi-institutional study of 1,342 general surgery graduates found that residents who pursued transplant fellowships had more transplant operative experience during residency, but the strongest predictors of choosing transplant were being a racial or ethnic minority, training at a program co-located with a transplant fellowship, and higher total transplant case volume. Each additional transplant operation a resident performed increased their odds of pursuing the field by 12%. The results suggest that exposure and mentorship — not demographics — are the most actionable levers for growing the transplant workforce.

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This study looked at the stress and sleep patterns of doctors training in transplant surgery. Over a month, 17 fellows wore a device that measured their stress and sleep. They found that these fellows were often sleep deprived, with 44% of nights lacking enough sleep, and experienced stress almost every day (87%). Compliance with working hour policies led to less stress, showing that following guidelines can make a difference. Who this helps: This benefits transplant surgery fellows and potentially their patients by improving their well-being and performance.

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This study examined how work hour restrictions for surgical residents affect their hands-on experience in surgeries. It found that after these restrictions were implemented, the overall number of major surgeries performed by residents dropped by 0.6%, with less experienced surgeons seeing a decrease of 3.7%, but more junior surgeons increased their caseload by 3.7%. Importantly, trauma surgeries decreased the most by 18.4%, while cases involving skin and soft tissue rose by 67.6%. These results highlight that while work hour limits initially reduced the number of surgeries residents performed, training programs adapted over time to maintain experience levels. Who this helps: This research benefits surgical residents and training programs as they assess the impact of work hour policies on education and skill development.

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A comparison of operative case logs from 5,482 general surgery graduates and 4,152 practicing surgeons found that resident training closely mirrors real-world practice in core domains like abdominal and alimentary tract surgery. Residents get more experience in subspecialty areas like trauma and vascular surgery due to their training environment, while practicing surgeons do more breast work. The data provide reassurance that surgical training is appropriately aligned with the operations graduates will encounter in practice.

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An analysis of pediatric surgery fellowship match data and operative case logs from 2009 to 2019 found that the field remains the most competitive surgical subspecialty fellowship, with the highest proportion of unmatched applicants. Despite this selectivity, the total number of index operations completed by pediatric surgery fellows fell by 59 cases over the decade. The trend raises concerns about whether current training produces surgeons with adequate operative experience.

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A national transplant database study found that 24% of transplant surgeons who entered the field between 2008 and 2018 had left the field within a median of 2.75 years. Surgeons who left had lower case volumes, performed fewer pediatric transplants, and made up a smaller share of their center's volume — and their patients had worse outcomes. This is the first study to quantify how common early career departure is in transplant surgery and its association with poorer patient results.

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Researchers used national transplant database records to categorize 209 early-career transplant surgeons by the type of transplant they performed most in their first five years of practice. About 41% were kidney-predominant, 18% liver-predominant, and 41% performed multiple organ types. Multiorgan surgeons performed the most transplants overall, and this data provides the first published picture of what a transplant career actually looks like after fellowship.

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Case logs for 50 surgical subspecialty residents were analyzed alongside a survey about their general surgery rotation experience. Subspecialty residents performed significantly fewer cases per month on surgery rotations compared to categorical general surgery residents, but 75% were satisfied with the experience and considered it valuable. The findings suggest these rotations are well regarded but structurally limited in the operative exposure they provide.

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Across 1,343 general surgery graduates from 20 programs over 11 years, women performed significantly fewer total cases than men, largely due to fewer surgeon junior cases — the core learning role. On multivariable analysis, female sex independently reduced the odds of being a high-volume resident by 26%. The gap appears to be narrowing slowly over time, with women increasing their annual case volume faster than men, but the disparity has not been eliminated.

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This study looked at the current practices and experiences of general surgeons in the U.S. by reviewing data from those applying for recertification between 2013 and 2017. Researchers found that there are 4,735 certified general surgeons, with an average age of 53, and 41% have been certified for 10 years or less. Most surgeons performed about 417 procedures each year, with a notable increase in female surgeons compared to a decade ago, which highlights the importance of ongoing analysis to ensure surgical education and certification keep up with healthcare needs. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and healthcare professionals by ensuring high standards in surgical care.

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This study focuses on creating models to design complex magnetic patterns using a low-cost, lightweight material called magnetic polymer composites. Researchers developed a tool that can predict how these materials will behave magnetically at various temperatures, which allows for more precise custom designs compared to traditional magnets. This advancement can lead to improved magnetic sensors used in various technologies. Who this helps: This helps engineers and companies developing advanced magnetic sensors.

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This study looked at how integrated thoracic surgery programs (I-6) affect the surgical training of general surgery residents. Researchers found that general surgery residents at hospitals with I-6 programs saw their total thoracic surgery cases increase from 3,710 to 4,451 over a span of five years, which is about 85 more cases annually. Importantly, the overall training of general surgery residents did not suffer – they maintained the same number of thoracic cases performed as before the I-6 program started. Who this helps: This benefits general surgery residents training in hospitals with integrated thoracic surgery programs.

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Case log data showed that the COVID-19 pandemic reduced general surgery resident case volumes nationally, with 2020 graduates completing about 1.5% fewer total cases and 8% fewer chief-level cases than 2019 graduates. At one institution, residents across all training levels performed 42% fewer operations during peak pandemic months. The magnitude of the impact on training quality and future competency warrants continued monitoring.

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National transplant data from 2011 to 2019 showed that patients who received a donation-after-circulatory-death liver transplant at a low-volume center had significantly higher rates of graft failure and death at one year compared to those treated at high-volume centers. The busiest 5% of centers — those performing more than five such transplants per year — drove all of the mortality benefit, while no volume effect was detectable among the remaining 95% of centers. The findings support concentration of this technically demanding procedure at experienced centers.

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In a multi-institutional study of 1,264 general surgery graduates, the 20% who entered practice directly after residency had higher operative volumes and were more likely to be graduates of high-volume programs. Research experience and fellowship training were the strongest factors pulling residents toward fellowship rather than direct practice. The findings help characterize who goes directly into practice and suggest that programs can better support both career paths through targeted mentorship.

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Across 1,192 general surgery graduates at 18 programs, residents who went on to any given fellowship consistently performed more cases in their future specialty area than peers who chose different careers — a pattern that held across all 12 fellowship types. This pre-specialization trend was observed at both the junior and senior levels of training. The findings suggest that early career interest shapes operative experience and should be factored into how residency programs are designed.

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This study looked at how the treatment for pancreatic cancer changed in the U.S. after a key 2004 trial. Between 1998 and 2015, the use of chemotherapy after surgery for pancreatic cancer rose significantly from 2.9% to 51.6%, while the use of chemoradiation dropped from 49.5% to 22.9%. This shift matters because it shows that new research can take time to influence actual treatment practices, even though chemotherapy has proven to be more beneficial for survival than chemoradiation. Who this helps: Patients with pancreatic cancer.

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This study looked at how many lung cancer patients continued to use opioids after having surgery to remove their tumors. Among the 137 patients analyzed, 26% (35 patients) were still using opioids more than 180 days after the surgery. The researchers found that pre-existing opioid dependence and the amount of opioids used during the hospital stay were strong predictors of this long-term use. Who this helps: This information can benefit patients undergoing lung cancer surgery by highlighting the need for better pain management strategies.

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This study focused on finding better treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF), a serious condition caused by mutations in a specific gene that affects lung and digestive function. Researchers tested a drug called Ivacaftor on laboratory models developed from human patient cells and saw positive results, which led to a cystic fibrosis patient being enrolled in a clinical trial where they experienced improved health outcomes. The study highlights a new method for tailoring treatments to individual patients, making it easier to develop effective therapies for those with rare gene mutations. Who this helps: This helps cystic fibrosis patients, especially those with rare mutations.

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Researchers studied a new coating on dental implants designed to prevent bacteria from sticking and causing infections. They found that this coating had strong antibacterial properties, effectively fighting bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and did not harm surrounding tissues. The coating also remained effective after different sterilization methods, making it a promising development for improving dental implant success and longevity. Who this helps: This benefits patients getting dental implants and dentists involved in implant procedures.

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This study looked at who leads academic general surgery departments and found that leadership is still largely made up of men and white individuals. Out of 118 programs, 79% of department chairs were white and 85% were men, while only a small number of minority surgeons held leadership roles. Addressing these disparities in leadership is important because increasing diversity can lead to better mentorship and improved patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients and aspiring surgeons by promoting a more diverse leadership that can improve mentorship and healthcare outcomes.

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This study looked at how a surgery called total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) affects costs and hospital visits in children with severe chronic pancreatitis. Researchers found that after the surgery, the number of hospital admissions dropped from an average of 5 to 2, and medical costs decreased from about $36,000 to $24,900 in the year following the operation. This is important because it shows that TPIAT not only helps improve the child's health but also reduces the financial burden on families and the healthcare system. Who this helps: This benefits children suffering from chronic pancreatitis and their families.

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This study looked at how competitive applying to general surgery, surgical subspecialties, and integrated programs has become over the past decade. It found that fewer applicants were interested in general surgery compared to subspecialties like orthopedic and neurosurgery, with a median of 1.21 applicants per position for general surgery. The research also identified key factors like exam scores and research experience that help applicants get matched into these programs, highlighting that general surgery has become less competitive over time. Who this helps: This information is useful for medical students deciding their careers and for programs looking to attract top talent.

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A PubMed search of 26 general and surgical subspecialty journals from 2015 to 2019 found that surgical education research makes up only about 1% of all surgical publications. General surgery journals published a significantly higher proportion of education research than subspecialty journals. The low overall volume and uneven distribution suggest that the field lacks a systematic, rigorous scientific approach to studying how surgeons should be trained.

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An analysis of fellowship match data from 2006 to 2018 found that transplant surgery is one of the least competitive and least sought-after surgical subspecialties, with only 27% of applicants being U.S. medical graduates and a declining match rate over time. Nearly half of all transplant fellows came from just 28% of residency programs, suggesting uneven exposure. The findings call for targeted efforts to increase mentorship and early exposure to transplantation during residency training.

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This study looked at how a test called thrombelastography can help predict how much blood a patient might need during a liver transplant. Researchers reviewed records from 364 liver transplant patients and found that 47% were considered hypocoagulable (meaning their blood didn't clot well) and needed significantly more blood products compared to those whose blood clotted normally—about 7 units of packed red blood cells versus 4 units for the nonhypocoagulable group. This is important because knowing a patient’s coagulation status before surgery can help doctors prepare better for the operation and manage blood transfusions more effectively. Who this helps: Patients undergoing liver transplantation and doctors managing their care.

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This study looked at two different methods of attaching a new liver during transplant surgery: the traditional piggyback method and a newer side-to-side cavocavostomy method. Out of 290 liver transplant patients, those who had the side-to-side method needed fewer blood transfusions and had fewer complications like temporary abdominal closure—2 transfusions compared to 5, and an 8.3% complication rate versus 24.1%. This matters because it suggests that the side-to-side method may be safer and easier for surgeons, potentially leading to better recovery for patients. Who this helps: Liver transplant patients.

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This study looked at burnout rates among surgical residents at seven hospitals in the US to see what factors contributed to their feelings of exhaustion. They found that 71% of the residents were at a high risk for burnout, and while personal skills like emotional intelligence and resilience didn't significantly reduce burnout, having good job resources and being engaged at work did help lower burnout rates. This is important because it shows that improving work conditions can have a positive impact on resident well-being. Who this helps: This helps doctors and hospital administrators who strive to support the mental health of surgical residents.

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This study looked at how using opioids before surgery affects hospital costs and patient outcomes for people with intestinal obstruction. Out of 296 patients studied, 55 were active opioid users, and they stayed in the hospital two days longer and cost about $3,700 more than non-users. Fewer avoidable admissions and surgeries could lead to better care and lower health care costs. Who this helps: This helps patients preparing for surgery, hospitals, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the causes and treatment outcomes of portal hypertension in children at a specialized liver center over a ten-year period, involving 151 patients. The findings revealed that patients with prehepatic portal hypertension had better survival rates, while those who did not receive any treatment had higher mortality rates—62.5% of these patients died compared to 8.5% who had surgical interventions. This research emphasizes the importance of early referral to specialist centers for better treatment and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with liver conditions and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how an enhanced recovery protocol affects recovery after surgery for colon and rectal cancer. The findings showed that patients who followed the new protocol were able to eat regular food sooner and had shorter hospital stays—3 days instead of 4 for colon patients and 4 days instead of 6 for rectal patients. Additionally, those on the protocol used significantly fewer narcotics, with colon patients taking 44 milligrams compared to 184 milligrams, and rectal patients taking 121 milligrams compared to 393 milligrams. This is important because it means patients can recover faster and rely less on pain medications, which can reduce the risk of addiction. Who this helps: Patients recovering from colon and rectal cancer surgery.