Great Expectations? Future Competency Requirements Among Candidates Entering Surgery Training

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Competency-Based Education

Background:

• A multimethod, multi-institutional study was conducted to identify future competencies for surgical training.
• The study focused on evolving requirements for general surgery residency candidates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the future competencies required for entry into surgery training.
• To assess the projected importance of core competencies for general surgery residents in the next 3-5 years.

Main Methods:

• A statewide collaborative involving five residency programs was established.
• Subject matter experts (SMEs) from each program participated in semistructured interviews and rated the importance of 20 core competencies.

Main Results:

• Seventy-three SMEs (77% faculty, 23% resident) were interviewed.
• All competencies were rated as more important for future residents.
• Team orientation, communication, team leadership, feedback receptivity, and professionalism were rated highest.

Conclusions:

• The competencies required for surgery residents are expected to evolve.
• There is a significant shift towards valuing interpersonal and professional skills in surgical candidates.