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Individualized Learning Plans in Residency Training: Lessons for Surgical Education From a Cross-Specialty Scoping
Maya Behrend1, Madison L Downey2, Rania Khallock3
1University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Journal of Surgical Education
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Individualized learning plans (ILPs) are inconsistently implemented in graduate medical education, with few studies focusing on surgical residency. Addressing barriers like goal-setting difficulties and lack of tracking is crucial for effective ILP integration.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Research
- Surgical Training
- Competency-Based Education
Background:
- Individualized learning plans (ILPs) are a required component of graduate medical education (GME).
- ILPs aim to support personalized progression aligned with competency-based training frameworks.
- Current literature on ILPs is sparse concerning surgical residency programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on individualized learning plans (ILPs) in graduate medical education.
- To identify common ILP components, barriers to implementation, and proposed solutions.
- To highlight implications for surgical residency training.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review of literature published between 2000 and 2025 was conducted.
- Searches were performed on PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords for ILPs and residents.
- Twenty-six studies were included, with a focus on GME across specialties, interpreting findings for surgical residency.
Main Results:
- Common ILP components include goal setting (95%), mentorship (86%), and planning (86%), though few studies integrated all core elements.
- Major barriers identified were difficulty with goal-setting (92%), lack of tracking platforms (71%), resident time constraints (50%), and limited faculty participation (35%).
- ILPs showed associations with improved resident confidence and self-directed learning, but limited evidence linked them to patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- ILP implementation in GME is inconsistent despite alignment with competency-based education.
- A significant gap exists in the literature regarding ILPs in surgical residency.
- Improving ILP integration requires structured frameworks, faculty engagement, protected time, and enhanced tracking systems to support individualized learning and competency progression.
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