General surgery residency training: Learning and teaching processes from the perspective of an educator?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Türkiye Healthcare System

Background:

• General surgery residency training in Türkiye lacks sufficient investigation into educator perspectives.
• Understanding educational processes and institutional challenges is crucial for developing standardized, competency-based surgical training models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate educators' perspectives on general surgery residency training in Türkiye.
• To identify learning and teaching processes within these programs.
• To assess current educational practices for future standardization efforts.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted among general surgery educators from August to December 2019.
• The survey comprised 21 closed-ended and 3 open-ended questions assessing educational structure, faculty involvement, and program adequacy.
• A pilot study and expert evaluation informed questionnaire development.

Main Results:

• 156 educators completed the survey; 97% supported structured residency programs.
• Only 44% found the current curriculum content sufficient, with less than 20% reporting full implementation.
• Inconsistencies in curriculum implementation and faculty participation were identified, particularly for faculty in private institutions.

Conclusions:

• Significant limitations exist in the standardization and implementation of general surgery residency training in Türkiye.
• Enhancing competency-based curricula and faculty engagement is vital.
• Developing validated educational assessment tools can improve residency training quality.