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Undergraduate surgical training: variations in program objectives and curriculum implementation across Canada
Shawn S Forbes1, Peter G Fitzgerald, Daniel W Birch
1Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.
Canadian Journal of Surgery. Journal Canadien De Chirurgie
|March 10, 2006
Summary
Canadian medical schools show wide variation in undergraduate surgical education, impacting learning objectives and student performance. This study highlights the need to reassess current educational standards and practices across institutions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Curriculum Development
Background:
- Nationally recognized learning objectives for undergraduate surgical education are established.
- The adherence of Canadian medical schools to these guidelines is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent to which Canadian medical schools implement national learning objectives for undergraduate surgical education.
- To identify variations in emphasis on learning objectives and student performance.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to program directors and coordinators at 16 Canadian medical schools.
- The survey assessed perceived emphasis on learning objectives, student performance evaluation, instructional tools, and teaching locations.
Main Results:
- Fifteen medical schools responded to the survey.
- Significant variation was observed in the emphasis on both basic and specialty-specific learning objectives.
- Differences were also noted in rotation length, instructional methods, and performance assessment tools.
Conclusions:
- There is considerable variation in the design and implementation of undergraduate surgical education across Canadian medical schools.
- These findings provide a foundation for re-evaluating current learning objectives in Canadian surgical education programs.