Educational interventions aimed at the transition from surgical training to surgical practice

• Published in: The American journal of surgery Vol. 217; no. 3; pp. 406 - 409
• Main Author: Sachdeva, Ajit K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-03-2019; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Assessment of surgical knowledge and skills; Careers; Coaching; Cognition & reasoning; Cognitive ability; Collaboration; Curricula; Directors; Education; Leadership; Medical personnel; Medical residencies; Mentorship; Patients; Preceptorship; Preparedness for surgical practice; Readiness for surgical practice; Surgeons; Surgery; Training; Transition to surgical practice; Preceptorship; Coaching; Preparedness for surgical practice; Transition to surgical practice; Readiness for surgical practice; Mentorship; Assessment of surgical knowledge and skills
• ISSN: 0002-9610; 1879-1883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2018.09.012

The transition from surgical training to surgical practice is a critical juncture in the career progression of surgeons. This period is associated with myriad challenges that need to be addressed through specific educational interventions to ensure delivery of safe care to patients and to support the career aspirations of junior surgeons entering the practice environment. These interventions should be based on principles of contemporary surgical education and training, and focus on the needs of surgery residents and junior surgeons entering practice. The specific systems of patient care in which the junior surgeons will work should also be considered while planning and implementing such educational interventions. Senior surgeon colleagues within these systems should play key roles in supporting the junior surgeons entering practice, and may require special training to serve as effective mentors, preceptors, and coaches. Professional societies should play a key role in establishing national standards regarding the educational programs aimed at this transition and develop programs to complement local efforts to address various needs. The American College of Surgeons Division of Education has developed a spectrum of innovative programs that are aimed at this important transition.