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01-06-2006

Education of the Modern Surgical Resident: Novel Approaches to Learning in the Era of the 80-Hour Workweek

Authors: Liz Nguyen, MD, F. Charles Brunicardi, MD, Daniel J. DiBardino, MD, Bradford G. Scott, MD, Samir S. Awad, MD, Ruth L. Bush, MD, Mary L. Brandt, MD

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 6/2006

Abstract

Introduction

Implementation of the 80-hour work week has resulted in limitations on the hours available for resident education, creating a need for innovative approaches to teach surgical residents successfully. Herein we report the methods and results of an innovative didactic learning program at a large academic surgerical residency program.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2005, based on known principles of adult education and innovative learning techniques, a didactic learning program was instituted in a major academic surgery program. The course work consisted of a structured reading program using Schwartz’s Textbook of Surgery, with weekly testing and problem-based learning (PBL) groups led by surgical faculty. The residents’ progress was assessed by American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) training scores before and after program implementation. A resident survey was also conduced to assess residents’ attitudes toward the new program. Results were reported as a mean, and categoric variables were compared using a paired Student’s t-test.

Results

During the academic year of the structured reading program, the mean ABSITE score improved by 10% (P = 0.02) from the previous year. The postgraduate year 4 class had the largest change, with a score increase of 17% over the previous year’s performance (P = 0.02). Survey results demonstrated that 64% of the responders agreed that the small-group PBL was preferable for achieving educational goals. Furthermore, 89% of residents responded that the PBL groups improved interaction between residents and faculty members.

Conclusions

An innovative formal learning program based on a major surgical textbook with weekly testing and small group sessions can significantly improve surgical training in the modern era of work-hour restrictions. Furthermore, surgical trainees find this format to be innovative and useful for improving didactic teaching.

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Title: Education of the Modern Surgical Resident: Novel Approaches to Learning in the Era of the 80-Hour Workweek
Authors: Liz Nguyen, MD
F. Charles Brunicardi, MD
Daniel J. DiBardino, MD
Bradford G. Scott, MD
Samir S. Awad, MD
Ruth L. Bush, MD
Mary L. Brandt, MD
Publication date: 01-06-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 6/2006
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-005-0038-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Education of the Modern Surgical Resident: Novel Approaches to Learning in the Era of the 80-Hour Workweek

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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