Goals, Structure and Financing of Surgical Residency Training

Objective: As part of the Blue Ribbon Committee II, review current goals, structure and financing of surgical training in Graduate Medical Education (GME) and recommend needed changes. Summary Background Data: Surgical training has continually undergone major transitions with the 80-hour work week, earlier specialization (vascular, plastics and cardiovascular) and now entrustable professional activities (EPAs) as part of competency based medical education (CBME). Changes are needed to ensure the efficiencies of CBME are utilized, that stable graduate medical education funding is secured, and that support for surgeons who teach is made available. Methods: Convened subcommittee discussions to determine needed focus for recommendations. Results: Five recommendations are offered for changes to GME financing, incorporation of CBME, and support for educators, students and residents in training. Conclusions: Changes in surgical training related to CBME offer opportunity for change and innovation. Our subcommittee has laid out a potential path forward for improvements in GME funding, training structure, compensation of surgical educators, and support of students and residents in training.