PS7-04: PERSPECTIVES FROM GENERAL SURGERY APPLICANTS: WHAT MAKES THEM DESIRABLE
Sarah A Hayek, MD¹, Alison Wickizer², Collin Hummel², Samantha Lane, MHS¹, Halle Ellison, MD¹, Katelyn Young, BS¹, Marie Hunsinger, BHSN, RN¹, Mohsen Shabahang, MD, PhD¹; ¹Geisinger, ²Bloomsburg University

INTRODUCTION: Each year general surgery programs seek to obtain residents who have qualities that will enhance and strengthen their residency. While programs may believe that they know the qualities of a good resident, it is unclear what qualities applicants feel are most important to a program. The purpose of this study is to determine the qualities that applicants believe make them a desirable candidate to a general surgery residency.

METHODS: This is a qualitative study where 185 interviews were conducted with prospective general surgery residents over three application seasons. While undergoing a single institution’s standard interview process, applicants were asked to provide characteristics that they believe will make them a desirable resident. Responses were documented by the interviewer.

Qualitative content analysis was conducted by the research team which consisted of faculty, research staff and one resident. Initial codes were developed and defined. Research team members independently coded the responses and then an iterative group consensus process was used to develop the final themes. Some comments bridged two themes and this overlap was coded as both themes.

RESULTS: Six interconnected themes emerged from these interviews (Figure 1). The themes included emotional intelligence (with sub-themes of intrinsic and extrinsic components), grit, connection, teamwork, work ethic, and academic focus.

Figure 1: Example of categorization of themes

CONCLUSION: Applicants to a general surgery residency program place emphasis on hard work, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and academic focus. Future studies will focus on factors deemed important by programs to see if these qualities align.