APDS Presidential Address

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS) is at a critical juncture due to rapid, digitization-driven changes in healthcare.
• These changes necessitate a strategic evolution for the APDS to effectively support surgical program directors.
• The digitization of data is transforming healthcare systems, leading to increased oversight and demand for efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a strategic path forward for the APDS amidst significant industry changes.
• To introduce and champion the Educational Quality Improvement Project (EQIP) as a solution for enhancing surgical education.
• To reaffirm the APDS's core principles of research and advocacy in navigating future challenges.

Main Methods:

• The proposed solution, EQIP, is a continuous learning quality improvement program.
• EQIP will be developed and implemented by program directors, for program directors.
• Key components include a data gathering interface, data repository, analytics capability, and reporting platform.

Main Results:

• EQIP aims to facilitate data-driven innovation in surgical education.
• It will enable data-informed discussions regarding the future of general surgery.
• A 2-year proof of concept journey for EQIP is commencing.

Conclusions:

• The APDS must engage proactively to address challenges and foster resiliency.
• Engagement through initiatives like EQIP can mitigate frustration and prevent burnout among program directors.
• The APDS is well-positioned to lead improvements in surgical education through data-driven strategies.