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Variation in training requirements within general surgery: comparison of 23 countries
H Whewell1, C Brown2, V J Gokani3
1Department of General Surgery Royal Gwent Hospital Newport UK.
BJS Open
|February 1, 2021
Summary
Global postgraduate surgical training requirements vary significantly, with differences in duration, competencies, and working hours. Training equivalence is often based on political agreements rather than standardized healthcare needs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- International Healthcare Standards
Background:
- Postgraduate surgical training programs exhibit considerable global variation.
- Existing frameworks for surgical training outcomes show some national definition and international similarities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of general surgery training requirements across 23 countries.
- To identify commonalities and disparities in postgraduate surgical education globally.
Main Methods:
- Data was collected from official training bodies in 23 countries.
- Information gathered included competencies, training duration, work hours, and selection processes.
Main Results:
- Significant heterogeneity exists in training programs, even within European countries.
- Training duration ranges from 4 to 10 years, with weekly work hours varying from 38 to 88.
- Operative case requirements range widely from 60 to 1600.
Conclusions:
- National medical profession requirements differ substantially worldwide.
- Training equivalence is often determined by political agreements, not solely by acquired competencies or healthcare demands.
