Variability in training Experience during orthopaedic surgery post-graduate year-1
Jeffrey D Tompson1, Jeffrey D Trojan1, Mary K Mulcahey1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Mededpublish (2016)
|December 11, 2023
Summary
Orthopaedic surgery residency programs vary in their non-orthopaedic rotation content and surgical skills training. Program directors individualize intern experiences based on institutional resources and available services.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery Education
- Surgical Residency Training
- Medical Curriculum Development
Background:
- The orthopaedic surgery PGY-1 curriculum was recently redesigned to increase time on orthopaedic rotations.
- Surgical skills modules were implemented to standardize training for orthopaedic interns nationwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the national implementation of redesigned orthopaedic surgery residency curriculum guidelines.
- To evaluate the variability in non-orthopaedic rotations and surgical skills training.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous, 14-question electronic survey was sent to all ACGME-accredited orthopaedic surgery program directors in the US (n=163).
- Survey responses were collected in January 2017, with 79 program directors (49%) completing the survey.
Main Results:
- Common non-orthopaedic rotations included general surgery trauma (85%), intensive care units (76%), and plastic/burn surgery (71%).
- 91% of programs have a formal surgical skills curriculum for first-year residents, utilizing saw bones (86%) and cadavers (80%).
Conclusions:
- While six months are dedicated to orthopaedic rotations, the remaining six months are variable and institution-dependent.
- Program directors customize intern experiences and surgical skills curricula based on available institutional resources.
