Our Summary

This study looks at how the scores from a test called the Thoracic Surgery Director’s Association In-Training Exam (ITE) can predict whether a trainee heart and lung surgeon will pass their final exams (the American Board of Thoracic Surgery or ABTS exams).

The researchers used data from 60 trainee surgeons across 16 years, and found that those who improved their scores on the ITE were more likely to pass the written part of their final exams on their first try. However, the ITE scores didn’t seem to predict whether they’d pass the oral part of the final exam.

In simple terms, doing better on the in-training test could mean a trainee is more likely to pass the written part of their big final exam, but it doesn’t tell us much about how they’ll do on the spoken part of the exam. This suggests that the in-training test is a useful tool for seeing how ready a trainee might be for the written final exam.

FAQs

  1. What is the Thoracic Surgery Director’s Association In-Training Exam (ITE)?
  2. Can the ITE scores predict a trainee’s performance in the final American Board of Thoracic Surgery exams?
  3. Does a higher score on the ITE indicate a likelihood of passing the oral part of the ABTS exams?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing thoracic surgery to follow their post-operative care instructions closely, including taking any prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities until cleared by their healthcare provider. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their healthcare team promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for thoracic surgery include those with conditions such as lung cancer, esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, pleural diseases, chest wall deformities, and thoracic outlet syndrome. Additionally, patients with conditions such as emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may also be candidates for thoracic surgery. Ultimately, the decision to recommend thoracic surgery for a patient will depend on their specific condition, overall health, and individual circumstances.

Timeline

Before thoracic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes initial consultation with a thoracic surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and potential risks and benefits.
  2. Patient may undergo pre-operative tests such as blood work, imaging scans, and pulmonary function tests to assess their overall health and lung function.
  3. Patient may need to stop taking certain medications or make lifestyle changes in preparation for surgery.
  4. Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including fasting before the procedure.

After thoracic surgery:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any immediate post-operative complications.
  2. Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to a week, depending on the type of surgery and their individual recovery.
  3. Patient will receive pain management and breathing exercises to help with recovery.
  4. Patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their healing progress and address any concerns.
  5. Patient may need to undergo physical therapy or rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility after surgery.
  6. Patient will need to follow a specific post-operative care plan, including restrictions on activities and medications, to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about thoracic surgery include:

  1. What specific procedure do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How many times have you performed this type of surgery?
  4. What is the expected recovery time for this surgery?
  5. Will I need any follow-up treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  6. What support services are available to me during the recovery process?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  8. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my recovery?
  9. What is the success rate for this type of surgery?
  10. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Coyan GN, Aranda-Michel E, Luketich JD, Kilic A, Okusanya O, Schuchert M, Gleason TG, Carey C, Kinnunen A, Sultan I. Journal: Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2021 Spring;33(1):121-127. doi: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2020.06.007. Epub 2020 Jun 20. PMID: 32569649