Related Experiment Videos
Experience with surgical resident training in a combined program in plastic surgery
D J Scholten1, K D Anderson, J Beernink
1Department of Surgery, Michigan State University, Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, USA.
The American Surgeon
|July 1, 1995
Summary
This study compares general surgery residents and integrated plastic surgery residents, finding the combined training effective and efficient. Integrated plastic surgery training offers excellent outcomes and potential GME payment reductions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Healthcare Policy
Background:
- Healthcare reform may necessitate reductions in graduate medical education (GME) training positions and duration.
- General Surgery (GS) residencies often serve as prerequisite training for surgical specialties, making them susceptible to these changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the quality, outcomes, and differences between PGYI-PGYIII categorical general surgery residents and matched prerequisite plastic surgery residents.
- To assess the effectiveness and efficiency of combined GS and PS training programs.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of American Board of Surgery Inservice Training Examinations (ABSITE) data (1980-1992).
- Review of surgery operative logs (SOL) and curricula for matched residents (1989-1992).
- Outcome assessment via board performance and a piloted questionnaire for integrated plastic surgery program graduates.
Main Results:
- Both PS and GS residents showed satisfactory ABSITE performance, with significant annual increases for GS and PGYI-PGYII for PS.
- SOL analysis indicated more plastic surgery procedures for PS residents compared to GS residents.
- A high percentage (72.7%) of PS graduates found the combined GS/PS training appropriate, effective, and of suitable duration, with 87.5% achieving ABPS certification.
Conclusions:
- Combined plastic surgery training is effective, appropriate, resource-efficient, and yields excellent outcomes.
- This integrated model has the potential to reduce GME payments significantly (over $20 million).
- Successful implementation requires a specific curriculum and close collaboration between General Surgery and Plastic Surgery programs.