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

Educator perspectives on general surgery residency training have been insufficiently investigated in Türkiye. Understanding educational processes and institutional challenges may contribute to the development of standardized competency-based surgical training models. This study aimed to evaluate educators' perspectives on general surgery residency training in Türkiye, identify learning and teaching processes, and evaluate current educational practices that may inform future standardization efforts.

A nationwide cross-sectional survey study was conducted among general surgery educators between August and December 2019. The questionnaire included 21 closed-ended and 3 open-ended questions evaluating educational structure, faculty involvement, and perceived adequacy of residency training programs. Survey questions were prepared following a literature review and expert evaluation. A pilot study involving 10 educators was conducted prior to national distribution.

A total of 156 educators completed the survey. Although 97% of educators supported structured residency programs, only 44% considered the current curriculum content sufficient and fewer than one-fifth reported full curriculum implementation. Faculty members working simultaneously at private institutions reported lower institutional presence, despite perceiving their educational contribution as adequate. Participants also identified inconsistencies in curriculum implementation and faculty participation.

Educators perceive significant limitations in the standardization and implementation of general surgery residency training programs in Türkiye. Strengthening competency-based curricula, improving faculty engagement, and developing validated educational assessment tools may improve the quality of residency training.