Reputation of integrated (I6) CT Programs

[Adrenaline Junky]

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Hi everyone,
I am applying integrated CT surgery in the upcoming cycle and I know that only a handful of the programs provide training that is equivalent/better than the traditional pathway. Was hoping I could get some insight on the following programs (outside of the infamous reddit post): Duke, USC, Cleveland, Northwestern, Penn, Stanford, Michigan, Emory.

 

[soccerboy23]

Of those, aim for Duke, USC. Penn, and maybe Stanford. The rest do not have the operative autonomy/culture, or training paradigm.

Tier 1 programs to aim for: Penn, USC, Columbia - they are all I6 focused (phasing out or do not have traditional fellows) and consistently have the best training for I6. Duke is also tremendous, but a newer program and very focused on 4+3 and traditional fellows. Stanford is a bit variable, depending on whether the chairman likes you, and requires very heavy research years (2-3, many taking PhDs) if that is your vibe. Cedars Sinai is also now considered a high-tier program, but has yet to really graduate anyone, so it is still TBD. Columbia's main con is that they do not prioritize patient care, which is quite important when you are an attending. USC, Penn, and Duke do prioritize this while also emphasizing operative ability.

 

[Saigon]

Of those, aim for Duke, USC. Penn, and maybe Stanford. The rest do not have the operative autonomy/culture, or training paradigm.

Tier 1 programs to aim for: Penn, USC, Columbia - they are all I6 focused (phasing out or do not have traditional fellows) and consistently have the best training for I6. Duke is also tremendous, but a newer program and very focused on 4+3 and traditional fellows. Stanford is a bit variable, depending on whether the chairman likes you, and requires very heavy research years (2-3, many taking PhDs) if that is your vibe. Cedars Sinai is also now considered a high-tier program, but has yet to really graduate anyone, so it is still TBD. Columbia's main con is that they do not prioritize patient care, which is quite important when you are an attending. USC, Penn, and Duke do prioritize this while also emphasizing operative ability.

Honestly this is quite accurate. Regarding Duke, there is a reason every general surgery resident wants to go there for traditional CT fellowship. I would be surprised if the i6 pathway there does not also result in an excellent product.

OP, you must apply broadly because competitive applicants do not match i6 each year. Despite the increasing number of i6 positions, the fact is that the majority of CT surgeons in the country will continue to train via the traditional pathway, which is largely tried and true. There are excellent general surgery programs with clear pathways to CT surgery that also give you an “out” of CT if you change your mind about what you want to do. I am biased and believe the traditional pathway ultimately results in the best end product.

 

[Station7]

I would also throw in the 4-3 pathway at the MGH/MGB program as well as others with a good track record. Its not the i6 pathway, but you get great training with good autonomy. Likely as competitive as an i6 application tho