Surgery and Surgical Training Before Graduate Medical Education: A Blue Ribbon Committee II, Medical Student...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Competency-Based Education

Background:

• The American Board of Surgery convened a summit on competency-based surgical education reforms.
• A Blue Ribbon Committee II (BRC-II) was formed with multiple subcommittees.
• This paper focuses on the Medical Student Subcommittee's contributions to BRC-II.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update and expand upon the initial Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) report from two decades prior.
• To address contemporary challenges and opportunities in surgical education for medical students.
• To provide a framework for current and future improvements in medical student surgical training.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted by the subcommittee.
• Findings were collated, aggregated, and key issues were identified.
• Recommendations were drafted and refined through extensive BRC discussions.

Main Results:

• The report details the medical student education continuum.
• Key topics covered include recruitment, surgical engagement, and training models.
• Emphasis is placed on trainee selection and the transition to graduate medical education.

Conclusions:

• Significant evolution in medical education and surgical practice over the past 20 years.
• BRC-II findings offer a structured approach to necessary improvements.
• Focus remains on enhancing various facets of medical student surgical education.