Traditional (5+2) versus integrated (0-5) vascular surgery training: the effect on case volume and the trainees produced.

The development of two training paradigms for the training of vascular surgeons has naturally resulted in concerns regarding competence equivalency. Comparison of the traditional 5+2 year and the integrated 0-5 year training programs has confirmed clear differences in trainee experience. To date, the overall vascular procedure case-log experience is equivalent except in the areas of open abdominal procedures that separate traditional vascular fellows from integrated vascular surgery residents. The integrated vascular surgery trainee has the advantage of increased time spent on vascular services, and this results in a significantly increased major vascular case volume. Finally, while there is a difference in the types of jobs attained by these two groups, with vascular residents trending toward a more academic scope of practice, both groups report very similar training and job attainment satisfaction, including salary compensation.