Update on cardiothoracic surgery resident job opportunities.

Background: Concerns regarding ample employment opportunities for graduating cardiothoracic surgery residents may affect perceptions of the field and recruitment into residency programs. We present the results of the Thoracic Surgery Residents Association/Thoracic Surgery Directors Association (TSRA/TSDA) 2008 Resident Survey, and compare them with the 2007 TSRA/TSDA survey and the 2006 interim report of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Task Force on Job Opportunities.

Methods: In April 2008, the TSRA/TSDA conducted an anonymous survey, linked to the cardiothoracic surgery resident online In-training Exam, with questions germane to resident job seeking and perceptions of the specialty.