title: Endovascular procedures, carotid endarterectomies, and aortic surgery should preferentially be done by a vascular trainee rather than a general surgery resident.
abstract: This article is the result of a debate. The motion proposed was that "endovascular procedures, carotid endarterectomies, and aortic surgery should be done preferentially by a vascular trainee rather than a general surgery resident.'' Arguments in favor of the motion were that with the development of endovascular surgery, there are now less open vascular procedures to perform and hence, vascular trainees needed to hone their skills on these limited cases rather than waste that experience on a general surgery resident. This focused training experience would allow vascular fellows to be become more highly skilled vascular surgeons. Additionally, endovascular procedures are an important component of modern vascular surgery, and it is important for the vascular fellow to develop significant experience with and acquire the appropriate numbers of endovascular cases to get the necessary credentials when going into a vascular practice. Arguments against the motion were that exposure to vascular cases will make a better general surgeon, one who will also be well equipped to deal with trauma cases and situations where the control of bleeding might be life saving. Additionally, the issue of exposure of general surgery residents to vascular cases might be a positive recruitment strategy for future vascular fellows. The motion was carried by a small majority vote.
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: Gary R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Seabrook
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sharp
mesh_terms: D001011:Aorta / Q000601:surgery; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000601:surgery; D002983:Clinical Competence; D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures; D000078329:Workforce