Thoracic surgical resident education: A costly endeavor

John H. Calhoon, Clint Baisden, Ben Holler, George L. Hicks, Ed L. Bove, Cameron D. Wright, Walter H. Merrill, Dave A. Fullerton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background We sought to define an accurate measure of thoracic surgical education costs.

Methods Program directors from six distinct and differently sized and geographically located thoracic surgical training programs used a common template to provide estimates of resident educational costs. These data were reviewed, clarifying questions or discrepancies when noted and using best estimates when exact data were unavailable. Subsequently, a composite of previously published cost-estimation products was used to capture accurate cost data. Data were then compiled and averaged to provide an accurate picture of all costs associated with thoracic surgical education.

Results Before formal accounting was performed, the estimated average for all programs was approximately $250,000 per year per resident. However, when formal evaluations by the six programs were performed, the annual cost of resident education ranged from $330,000 to $667,000 per year per resident. The average cost of $483,000 per year was almost double the initial estimates. Variability was noted by region and size of program. Faculty teaching costs varied from $208,000 to $346,000 per year. Simulation costs ranged from $0 to $80,000 per year. Resident savings to program ranged from $0 to $135,000 per year and averaged $37,000 per year per resident.

Conclusions Thoracic surgical education costs are considerably higher than initial estimates from program directors and probably represent an unappreciated source of financial burden for cardiothoracic surgical educational programs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2012-2015
Number of pages4
JournalAnnals of Thoracic Surgery
Volume98
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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