Poll on Thoracic Surgical Training

Abstract In 1969, an ad hoc committee was appointed by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons to investigate attitudes concerning the past, present, and future of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. A poll consisting of 34 questions regarding thoracic surgical training background, professional relations with the community, the future of thoracic surgery, and the Board of Thoracic Surgery was circulated in 1970 to the members of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. From a total membership of 806 at that time, there were 533 respondents (66%). Later in the year, the questionnaire was sent to 64 directors of thoracic surgery training programs, 41 of whom responded (64%). Following this, a letter was sent to a number of men eminent in the field of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, requesting them to comment on the results of the poll and to express their ideas on all aspects of thoracic surgical training. Hereafter these surgeons are referred to as the consultant group. The following material constitutes the final report of the ad hoc committee and is published in The Annals for the information of the members of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and other interested individuals.