Cardiac surgery residents training in Germany—Status quo and future prospects

Independent practice should require thoracic board certification

“…5 Likewise in Japan, "No trainees are allowed to operate independently before obtaining Japanese Board of Cardiovascular Surgery certification." 6 The same can be said for other countries we reviewed (Australia and New Zealand, 7 Canada, 8,9 France, and Germany 10 ). After finishing an accredited training program in all these countries, successful completion of specialty board certification is mandatory to become eligible for independent practice.…”

Thinking Outside the Box: The Interventional Surgeon

“…Wick et al [ 19 ] , when evaluating cardiac surgery training in Germany, describe that surgical skills are obtained in the first years of training, helping with procedures. As the resident acquires more responsibilities in the operating room, and under the support and supervision of other surgeons, a minimum number of procedures must be performed, such as coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgeries, including transcatheter procedures and reoperations.…”

Impact of a 36-hour Nonstop Training Course on Academic, Physical, and Mental Skills as well as Psychological Stress Perception in Cardiac Surgery Residents

“…2 Although stress management training for surgeons may optimize performance during stressful situations and minimize complications, 3 such trainings are not an integral part of surgical training during residency or the early career as an independent surgeon. 4 Furthermore, a number of studies evaluating stress and stress-coping strategies have been based on questionnaires and lack the practical aspect of true assessment of cognitive and manual surgical performance. 3 Yet, surgical performance and decision-making in practice may be affected by stress perceived as well as by sleep deprivation.…”