Educator and Trainee Perspectives on the Need for a “Real World” Curriculum in General Surgery

Abstract

BackgroundThe necessity of a nonclinical education for surgery residents is a topic of exploration. We examine chief resident (CR) and program director (PD) perspectives on the need for a standardized nonclinical curriculum. MethodsPDs and CRs from accredited general surgery programs were solicited to partake in an anonymous survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. ResultsThere were 42 PD and 68 CR responses. Half or more CRs lack confidence to independently determine their own worth, find a job, negotiate a contract, select disability insurance, and formulate retirement plans. PDs recognize that education in several nonclinical topics is essential for surgical residents. CRs and PDs agree on the necessity for formal education on all topics except “Burnout” (P < 0.0001). ConclusionsCRs lack the confidence to navigate several nonclinical topics. PDs recognize that education in these topics is necessary. PDs and CRs agree on the need for a nonclinical education except for “Burnout”, indicating a positive change in education over time, as most CRs feel they are educated adequately on this topic. Validation of a uniform curriculum is needed.