Evaluating General Surgical Residency Education Structure and Incorporation of the Resident as Educator Model

General surgery education has continued to evolve regarding test preparation, simulation, and skill acquisition. The "Resident as Educator" (RAE) model has been proposed and enacted by programs as a viable education model for general surgery education. This study examines the current education structures in general surgery residency programs in the United States and how many programs have adopted the RAE model or aspects of the model.

A 20-question survey regarding education structure was distributed to all program directors in October 2021. Questions focused on the involvement of residents in leading education sessions, creating the weekly education schedule, program feedback to residents on teaching, and recognition for distinguished resident educators.

A total of 156 programs responded to the survey. The response rate was 60%. 76.4% of the respondents have a combination of resident and faculty-led didactic sessions, 8.5% have an RAE model, and 15% have faculty-led education sessions. In terms of concerns regarding resident-led didactics-24.4% of respondents stated that their main concern would be the quality of education provided, and 20.4% referenced low resident satisfaction levels with resident-led education. There were no differences among the groups regarding the American Board of Surgery board passage rates.

Most residency programs have adopted a model in which residents have significant involvement in creating and maintaining the education calendar and leading formal education sessions. However, only 8.5% have a purely resident-led educational curriculum among the responding programs. More studies are needed to assess how to implement a resident as educator model successfully.