Short and Long-Term Success of a Surgery Residency Prep Course.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Graduate Medical Education

Background:

• The transition to surgical residency is challenging.
• A preparatory course may enhance resident readiness.
• Evaluating the long-term impact of such courses is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the short-term and long-term effectiveness of a surgery residency prep course.
• To evaluate its impact on intern confidence and knowledge throughout the first year.

Main Methods:

• A surgery residency prep course was offered to graduating medical students.
• Anonymous surveys assessed perceived confidence (pre-course, post-course, 6-month follow-up).
• Pre- and post-course quizzes measured objective knowledge acquisition.

Main Results:

• Participants reported significantly higher confidence post-course (4.0) versus pre-course (2.7).
• Objective quiz scores improved significantly after the course (12.9 vs. 10.6).
• Confidence levels remained high at six months, showing sustained benefit.

Conclusions:

• A surgery prep course can effectively enhance resident confidence and knowledge.
• The course demonstrates potential for long-term positive effects on surgical residents.
• This preparatory intervention may improve intern preparedness for residency demands.