Experience of surgical subspecialty residents on general surgery rotations

Am J Surg. 2023 Apr;225(4):673-678. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.10.044. Epub 2022 Oct 21.

Abstract

Background: Surgical subspecialty residents complete 5-6 years of training which includes general surgery rotations. A lack of data exists evaluating these rotations. This study aims to identify discrepancies in subspecialty training and improve the quality of surgical education.

Methods: Case logs for surgical subspecialty residents and general surgery residents at our institution were analyzed and queried for cases performed on general surgery rotations. A survey was distributed to subspecialty residents regarding their perceptions of these rotations.

Results: 50 residents were included in the study and the majority were male (n = 27, 54%). Subspecialty residents perform fewer cases per month compared to general surgery residents (13 vs 21, p < 0.001). 75% of subspecialty residents were satisfied with their experience on general surgery rotations.

Conclusions: Subspecialty residents perform fewer operations on general surgery rotations. Despite this, most are satisfied with off-service rotations and believe they are an important part of their education.

Keywords: ACGME; Case logs; Operative volume; Subspecialty training; Surgical education.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence
  • Education, Medical, Graduate
  • Female
  • General Surgery* / education
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency*
  • Male
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Surveys and Questionnaires