Resident Perspectives on the Value of Rural General Surgery Rotations: It's Not Just About the Cases

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Rural Health

Background:

• General surgery residency training is evolving.
• There is a documented decline in rural general surgeons.
• Understanding resident experiences in rural settings is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the case volume and variety in rural general surgery rotations.
• To evaluate the perceived value of rural rotations for residents and program directors.
• To contribute to the discussion on the benefits of rural surgery exposure in surgical training.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study was conducted.
• Analysis of residents' self-reported case lists.
• Review of field notes from exit interviews with site directors.

Main Results:

• Residents participated in an average of 105 surgical cases, including endoscopy.
• Exposure included a wide range of surgical procedures and community activities.
• Residents reported positive feedback on skill advancement and career confirmation, with some choosing rural practice.

Conclusions:

• Rural general surgery rotations hold significant importance and value for surgical residents.
• These rotations provide insight into rural practice, lifestyle, and community integration.
• Understanding resident perspectives is vital given the trend of decreasing rural surgeons.