A. Weiss1, D. Tandon1, B. Chandrasekaran1, V. Tapia1, K. C. Lee1, S. Ramamoorthy1, S. L. Blair1 1University Of California – San Diego,San Diego, CA, USA
Introduction: There is no existing literature on the process of appointing administrative chief residents (ACR) in surgical programs; nor on the disparity of minority representation in this position. This study’s purpose was to examine various residency’s processes and the demographics of the residents who have held the position.
Methods: After IRB approval was obtained from UCSD, a 20 question survey was sent to all surgical program directors and residency coordinators in the United States – to survey all residents and faculty. Survey Monkey, an online survey program, was used to question and analyze the results. A survey was developed for use in this study. It was piloted at our institution and revised prior to release.
Results: There were 101 survey respondents, an approximate 10% response rate. 99% of these were general surgeons and 97% had ACRs at their program. 85% were residents, 56% were male, 53% were resident level 3-5 and 3% were full professors. 50% of respondents were from a program with 20-50 residents, 65% from a program with 50% female residents, 76% with 25% ethnic minorities. 71% of respondents report that there is no clear policy on the ACR position, to the best of the respondent’s knowledge 63% believe the position is appointed. In the last 5 years, half of respondents had less than 25% female ACRs and 31% had less than 50% female ACRs. Similarly, 52% had zero minority ACRs and 40% had 25% minority ACRs. 49% believed making the call schedule was the most important responsibility of the ACR; 27% believe being respected by the residents is the most important quality and 24% believe organization to be most important. 54% of respondents believe their ACR receives a stipend, but 70% report there is no training involved. 35% of respondents report that in the last 5 years 50% of their ACRs went into academic practice, and 30% report that more than 75% went into academics.
Conclusion: Although most surgical programs in the country train 50% female residents, most have less than 25% female ACRs over the last 5 years. This trend is similar for ethnic minority residents. ACRs in the United States are often receiving a stipend, and are more often going into academic practice. ACR is a position that most respondents feel commands respect and carries with it potential monetary and career advantages; thus programs should keep diversity in mind in appointing ACR.