PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Ryan E. Austin
AU  - Kyle R. Wanzel
TI  - Supply versus demand: a review of application trends to Canadian surgical training programs
AID  - 10.1503/cjs.006614
DP  - 2015 Apr 01
TA  - Canadian Journal of Surgery
PG  - 143--144
VI  - 58
IP  - 2
4099  - http://canjsurg.ca/content/58/2/143.short
4100  - http://canjsurg.ca/content/58/2/143.full
SO  - CAN J SURG2015 Apr 01; 58
AB  - Despite increases in medical school enrolment, applications to surgical residency programs in Canada have been in decline over the past decade, with an increasing number of unmatched surgical residency positions. We examined the current status of surgical residency in Canada and analyzed application trends (2002–2013) for surgical training programs across Canada. Our findings suggest that most undergraduate medical schools across Canada are having difficulty fostering interest in surgical careers. We propose that a lack of adequate early exposure to the surgical specialties during undergraduate training is a critical factor. Moving forward, we must examine how the best-performing institutions and surgical programs have maintained interest in pursuing surgical careers and adapt our recruitment methods to both maintain and grow future interest. As Mary Engelbreit said, “If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.”