Rural Surgery Preparedness After Graduation From a Surgical Residency

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Rural Surgery
• Surgical Training

Background:

• General surgeons in rural areas face unique practice challenges with limited support.
• An academic medical center established a rural program with senior-level rotations in 1998.
• Past residents were surveyed to assess their scope of practice, preparedness, and recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a rural surgery training program.
• To determine the scope of practice and preparedness of surgeons who completed the program.
• To gather recommendations for improving rural surgical training.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 89 former residents; 34 completed surveys were analyzed.
• Data collected included participation in the rural program, current practice location (rural/urban), and fellowship training.
• Respondents reported on procedures performed, satisfaction with training, and perceived preparedness.

Main Results:

• Over 97% were satisfied with the overall program and 94% with their preparedness for rural surgery.
• Most common procedures included Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), vascular, cardiothoracic, hepatobiliary, and pediatric surgery.
• Residents recommended increased training in urology, MIS, vascular, OBGYN, pediatrics, billing, and administration.

Conclusions:

• High satisfaction exists, but training gaps in OBGYN, MIS, vascular, urology, billing, and administration were identified.
• The findings suggest specific curriculum adjustments are needed to better prepare surgeons for rural practice.
• These improvements aim to enhance the effectiveness and scope of general surgery in rural settings.