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Background <p>ACGME’s integrated six-year thoracic or more common cardiothoracic residency programs (I-6) have reshaped the training pathway for cardiothoracic surgeons in the United States. We reviewed match rates, applicant characteristics, and program growth, and assessed challenges to elucidate current trends and further the direction of these programs.</p> Methods <p>We performed a literature-based descriptive analysis of published match outcomes, applicant demographics, and program innovations between 2007 and 2025. The data were synthesized from published reports, program surveys, and national match statistics.</p> Results <p>The number of I-6 positions increased from 3 in 2007 to 48 in 2025; analysis revealed that the match rates for U.S. MD seniors stagnated at approximately 41% despite a 150% increase in applications, which was attributed to increased interest in the field. The matched applicants presented higher mean United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) step scores (Step 1: 244 ± 11; Step 2: 249 ± 13), more publications, with an average of 10.5, and increased interview offers. Simulation-based training and interdisciplinary rotations have enhanced curriculum quality. Economic barriers such as application fees, away rotation costs, and unfunded research years place immense cost burdens upon applicants, limiting access to opportunities that increase application competitiveness.</p> Conclusions <p>While integrated thoracic programs attract high-caliber candidates, incorporate advanced training modalities, and have seen slight position growth over time, the immense increase in applications has resulted in multifactorial competitive match environments. The multifactorial basis for the stagnant match rate requires an increase in program positions, broader financial support, and continued curricular innovation to sustain diversity and meet projected workforce needs.</p>

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Recent trends in integrated cardiothoracic residency match

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月23日

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  • Viren S. Sehgal,
  • Mohammed Rahman,
  • Moses Lee

摘要

Background

ACGME’s integrated six-year thoracic or more common cardiothoracic residency programs (I-6) have reshaped the training pathway for cardiothoracic surgeons in the United States. We reviewed match rates, applicant characteristics, and program growth, and assessed challenges to elucidate current trends and further the direction of these programs.

Methods

We performed a literature-based descriptive analysis of published match outcomes, applicant demographics, and program innovations between 2007 and 2025. The data were synthesized from published reports, program surveys, and national match statistics.

Results

The number of I-6 positions increased from 3 in 2007 to 48 in 2025; analysis revealed that the match rates for U.S. MD seniors stagnated at approximately 41% despite a 150% increase in applications, which was attributed to increased interest in the field. The matched applicants presented higher mean United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) step scores (Step 1: 244 ± 11; Step 2: 249 ± 13), more publications, with an average of 10.5, and increased interview offers. Simulation-based training and interdisciplinary rotations have enhanced curriculum quality. Economic barriers such as application fees, away rotation costs, and unfunded research years place immense cost burdens upon applicants, limiting access to opportunities that increase application competitiveness.

Conclusions

While integrated thoracic programs attract high-caliber candidates, incorporate advanced training modalities, and have seen slight position growth over time, the immense increase in applications has resulted in multifactorial competitive match environments. The multifactorial basis for the stagnant match rate requires an increase in program positions, broader financial support, and continued curricular innovation to sustain diversity and meet projected workforce needs.