Association Between Cardiac Surgeons’ Number of Years in Practice and Surgical Outcomes in New York Cardiac Centers

Key Points Question What is the association between cardiac surgeons’ years in practice and operative outcomes on coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve surgery? Findings In this cross-sectional study of data from early-career (<10 years) and late-career (>10 years) cardiac surgeons practicing between 2014 and 2016 in New York, a lower number of years in practice for cardiac surgeons was significantly associated with a higher risk-adjusted mortality rate in valve procedures. The risk-adjusted mortality rate was similar across different numbers of years in practice for CABG procedures. Meaning In this study, early-career status in cardiac surgeons was associated with worse surgical outcomes for valve operations, which suggests that additional complex valve surgery training in residency and mentorship guidance in early practice may be warranted.