A surgical mentorship program for medical students aimed to foster career development and networking. The study engaged 43 mentees and 21 mentors, finding that both groups highly valued effective communication. While post-program surveys showed improved communication and meaningful connections, some mentees critiqued mentor communication, and mentors highlighted student initiative. This pilot program demonstrated the potential […]

In response to evolving medical education needs, the role of Vice Chair of Education (VCE) in a Department of Surgery (DoS) is emerging. However, this role’s specifics aren’t well-defined. This study engaged 13 faculty members and 13 VCEs to explore this novel position. Stakeholders welcomed the VCE role, albeit with some questions about its impact. […]

The 2023 AABB International Guidelines on red blood cell transfusion are here. They provide recommendations for adults and children based on extensive research. For adults, the guidelines suggest a restrictive transfusion strategy with a hemoglobin concentration less than 7 g/dl for stable patients, which was found to be safe. For children, similar strategies are recommended, […]

In a survey involving 440 surgeons and anesthesiologists, 55.2% of participants reported experiences of gender bias. Women faculty members, in particular, expressed the need to continually prove themselves, experienced less respect, had fewer opportunities and resources, faced more assumptions about their abilities, and felt the necessity to adjust their demeanor to connect with their teams, […]

Postoperative complications can lead to death, but what predicts this failure to rescue, especially after respiratory failure? In a study involving 13,047 adult patients, researchers pinpointed eight key predictors. These include age, sex, preoperative health status, conditions like ascites and cancer, and preoperative biochemical markers. Disturbingly, nearly 30% of patients with postoperative respiratory failure didn’t […]

This study reveals a stark lack of diversity among academic surgical leaders in the United States. Although the medical community recognizes the importance of diversity, surgical department chairs, vice chairs, and division chiefs remain predominantly male and underrepresented by racial and ethnic minorities. Notably, leadership roles associated with diversity and faculty development show greater female […]

This study aimed to create a ranked list of surgical procedures for high-stakes simulation assessments in general surgery training. Using a Delphi consensus approach, a diverse group of 30 surgical trainers and a steering committee evaluated procedures based on perceived importance, risk, frequency, and feasibility. The study produced prioritized lists for two key training stages: […]

In a study involving 378 elderly cancer patients aged 80 or older who underwent major abdominal surgery, researchers found that 24.3% of them died within a year. Various factors were linked to this one-year mortality, including preoperative performance status, significant weight loss, the use of vasopressors during surgery, and postoperative blood transfusions. Encouragingly, adherence to […]

Mental health significantly impacts cancer care. Researchers analyzed Medicare data on patients with gastrointestinal cancer and mental illness from 2004 to 2016. They found that those with limited access to psychiatric services faced higher risks of postoperative complications, extended hospital stays, 90-day readmissions, and poorer overall outcomes. Patients with mental illness and restricted access to […]

The Lancet, celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2023, reflects on its historical journey of shaping the medical landscape in the UK and globally. This survey explores how the journal has championed “the best science for better lives” through pioneering articles on medical advancements and healthcare organization. It also delves into the journal’s advocacy and campaigns […]