Empowering the Resident Learner

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Resident Autonomy

Background:

• Surgical resident autonomy is crucial for transitioning to independent practice.
• Current challenges include duty hour restrictions, legislative constraints, and increased litigation.
• Heightened societal expectations also impact resident training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a framework for training self-directed and empowered surgical resident learners.
• To address barriers hindering the development of autonomous surgical residents.
• To identify strategies for improving resident operative autonomy.

Main Methods:

• Initiation of the Resident Mentored Autonomy Project by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Resident Education.
• Development of a framework by the Empowered Learner research team.
• Exploration of strategies for faculty, program directors, and residents.

Main Results:

• A framework for fostering self-directed surgical resident learning has been developed.
• Multiple strategies are proposed for enhancing resident operative autonomy.
• The framework aims to overcome barriers in surgical training.

Conclusions:

• Empowering surgical residents through a structured framework is essential.
• Collaborative strategies involving faculty and residents can improve autonomy.
• This approach supports the development of competent and independent surgeons.