[Surgical curriculum. A model from thoracic surgery]

There is a shortage of new surgeons in Germany. The blame for this is laid on poor working and training conditions in German hospitals. Professional associations suggest restructuring teaching plans to improve surgical education. The study conditions, postgraduate education, and surgical training in a thoracic surgical department are presented as a model curriculum. Surgical training can be structured. Curricula can be delineated for colleagues and applicants and comply with quality management standards. Clear and fair courses would improve surgical training and satisfy the expectations of contemporary surgeons.