Rural surgery training: a survey of program directors.
Hans C Burkholder1, Joseph B Cofer
1Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA.
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
|February 28, 2007
Summary
Rural surgery training is influenced by program mission and perceived necessity. A dedicated curriculum designation can guide trainees seeking rural practice opportunities.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Rural Health
Background:
- Rural and urban surgery practices differ significantly.
- Surgeon supply and demographics vary between rural and urban settings.
- The importance of rural surgery training in general surgery residency programs is under-examined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and perceived importance of rural surgery training.
- To understand the components of an ideal rural surgery curriculum.
- To identify factors influencing the implementation of rural surgery training.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to general surgery program directors in 2004.
- Programs were categorized as research or non-research.
- Survey items assessed attitudes towards rural surgery training and curriculum existence.
Main Results:
- A 24.0% response rate was achieved, with 17.2% classified as research programs.
- Research programs were less likely to prioritize rural surgeon training (p < 0.001).
- Over 36% of programs reported having a rural surgery curriculum; its presence correlated with perceived necessity and mission.
Conclusions:
- Belief in the necessity and mission of rural surgeon training correlates with curriculum implementation.
- Residency programs exhibit diverse attitudes and practices regarding rural surgery training.
- A rural surgery training designation could aid trainees pursuing rural practice.
