The Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American Association for Thoracic Surgery Off-Pump Training Program

Background Opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills in new technology are limited for cardiothoracic surgeons after completion of residency. In 2000 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American Association for Thoracic Surgery Joint Committee for New Technology Assessment accepted an educational grant from the Foundation for Advanced Medical Education to implement and test an instructional program for practicing cardiothoracic surgeons in off-pump coronary bypass surgery. Methods Twenty-four surgeons were selected for participation. Instruction was provided in three phases: (1) a preliminary video illustrating the techniques; (2) 2-day training sessions at two separate locations linked by videoconference; and (3) visits by trainees to observe preceptor surgeons at their institutions, followed by visits of preceptor surgeons to the institutions of the trainees. Evaluation of the program was made by review of trainee case lists in the year after completion of the program and by written surveys completed by trainees and preceptors. Results Seventeen surgeons completed all phases of the program. Most of them reported frequently utilizing off-pump bypass surgery in practice with good results. Two surgeons dropped out of the program before the first phase, and 5 surgeons did not complete all preceptor visits. Most survey respondents commented that the program met or exceeded their expectations. Conclusions Some trainees were unable to complete proctor visits because of professional responsibilities at home or because of difficulty in advanced scheduling of procedures. More rigorous selection and stronger administrative controls might have reduced program dropouts. The instructional model worked extremely well for properly selected and motivated surgeons.