I am interested in a program that has had a high attrition rate in the last 4-5 years. They've lost 5 out of 25 total residents, and I'm concerned that this may reflect a major red flag for applicants. Can you provide your insight on pros and cons to applying to such a program? It's a level I trauma center. Prior posts about the program indicate that it has a good operative experience.
It's impossible to generalize. 5 residents out of 25 over 5 years means 1 per year. If this is correct that may be an issue to you should try and get further information on - there may be very reasonable explanations for it or it may be concerning. Certainly in the much larger programs (10 or more per year) it is easy to see why there may be some attrition just by sheer numbers.
I would encourage you to reach out to residents in the program and see if they can give you some idea as to the reason why each of the 5 residents left (if they can share) --
