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John Calhoon

Publications and source records attributed to John Calhoon.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Impact of a lung transplantation donor-management protocol on lung donation and recipient outcomes.

RATIONALE: One of the limitations associated with lung transplantation is the lack of available organs. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a lung donor-management protocol could increase the number of lungs for transplantation without affecting the survival rates of the recipients. METHODS: We implemented the San Antonio Lung Transplant protocol for managing potential lung donors according to modifications of standard criteria for donor selection and strategies for donor management. We then compared information gathered during a 4-yr period, during which the protocol was used with information gathered during a 4-yr period before protocol implementation. Primary outcome measures were the procurement rate of lungs and the 30-d and 1-yr survival rates of recipients. MAIN RESULTS: We reviewed data from 711 potential lung donors. The mean rate of lung procurement was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) during the protocol period (25.5%) than during the pre-protocol period (11.5%), with an estimated risk ratio of 2.2 in favor of the protocol period. More patients received transplants during the protocol period (n = 121) than during the pre-protocol period (n = 53; p < 0.0001). Of 98 actual lung donors during the protocol period, 53 (54%) had initially been considered poor donors; these donors provided 64 (53%) of the 121 lung transplants. The type of donor was not associated with significant differences in recipients' 30-d and 1-yr survival rates or any clinical measures of adequate graft function. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol was associated with a significant increase in the number of lung donors and transplant procedures without compromising pulmonary function, length of stay, or survival of the recipients.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Cardiothoracic surgery resident education: update on resident recruitment and job placement.

BACKGROUND: Applications to cardiothoracic surgery training programs have steadily declined. The application cycle for 2004 marked the first time the number of applicants was lower than the positions offered. This survey reflects on this trend in applications and the perspectives of current and graduating residents. METHODS: In June 2004, the Thoracic Surgery Residents Association, in conjunction with CTSNet, surveyed residents completing accredited cardiothoracic training or additional subspecialization. Participation was anonymous and voluntary. RESULTS: Of the 140 graduates, 88 responded. Most were male (92%) and married (72%). Their average age was 35.7 years, and 56% had children. The mean educational debt was less than $50,000. Of the 88 respondents, 69 (78%) had plans to seek jobs whereas 15 (17%) sought additional training. Among job-seeking residents, 12% received no offers. Also, 59% of graduates initially sought a position in academics and 41% in private practice. Nearly one quarter (23%) reported that they would not choose a career in cardiothoracic surgery again, and more than half (52%) would not strongly recommend cardiothoracic surgery to potential trainees. Almost all (90%) of the graduates believed that the number of cardiothoracic training spots should be decreased, and 92% believed that a reduction in training positions should be achieved by closing marginal training programs. Additionally, 91% believed reimbursement for cardiothoracic surgery was inadequate, and 88% thought low reimbursement resulted in restricted patient access and decreased quality of care. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiothoracic training programs are having difficulty in both applicant recruitment and in suitable job placement. This frustration in the job search coupled with reimbursement and lifestyle issues most likely contributes to the general dissatisfaction conveyed by the graduates. If these trends continue, the field will be faced with a crisis of unfilled residency programs and unemployed graduates.

Adult↗