[What Should (Future) GPs Learn in Surgery?]

Surgical diseases are often primarily seen and initially treated as well as further patient care is organised in clinical practice by a general practitioner (GP). During postoperative time periods, GPs do have to i) ensure the surgical treatment success, ii) support reintegration of surgically pretreated patients within their daily and professional life as well as iii) coordinate follow-up care. Therefore, it is indicated for residents in general practice/family medicine to spend a certain time period of approximately 6 months at a surgical department of an outpatient clinic and/or hospital.

A selective literature search was undertaken on the required surgical knowledge, abilities, skills and expertise that need to be achieved by residents of general practice/family medicine or, respectively, future GPs and that are listed within national regulations on further education, recommendations of professional groups as well as documents and data for preparation of exams.

Surgical contents during residency in general practice/family medicine comprise far more than "small surgery" only. Requirements of regulations on specialised medical training for a temporary surgical mentor/supervisor and "trainees" provide orientation for the development of an "ideal" surgical rotation for future GPs.