The impact of fellowships on surgical resident training in a multispecialty cohort in Australia and New Zealand

• Published in: Surgery 2015-12, Vol.158 (6), p.1468-1474
• Main Authors: Petrushnko, Wilson, MBBS, Perry, Will, MBChB, Fraser-Kirk, Grant, MBBS, Ctercteko, Grahame, FRACS, Adusumilli, Sanjay, FRACS, O'Grady, Gregory, FRACS, PhD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Australia; Clinical Competence - standards; Clinical Competence - statistics & numerical data; Cohort Studies; Education, Medical, Graduate - standards; Education, Medical, Graduate - statistics & numerical data; Fellowships and Scholarships - standards; Fellowships and Scholarships - statistics & numerical data; General Surgery - standards; General Surgery - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Internship and Residency - standards; Internship and Residency - statistics & numerical data; New Zealand; Quality Control; Regression Analysis; Surgery
• ISSN: 0039-6060; 1532-7361
• DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2015.07.013

Introduction Fellowships in surgery are increasing in number, and concerns have been raised regarding their impact on resident training. Although fellows may contribute to resident education and training, they also compete for operative and other experience. This study aimed to quantify the impact of fellowships on resident training in a binational multispecialty cohort. Methods The operative case volumes and primary operator rates of surgery trainees (residents) in Australia and New Zealand were compared between units with and without fellows. Trainees also were surveyed using Likert Scales to assess quality of operative and other experience in units with and without fellows. Results Data from 911 trainees over 2 terms was analyzed; survey response rate 42%. Of all trainees, 42% worked with fellows. Trainees in units without fellows were involved in more major ( P  = .03) and minor ( P