[Postgraduate education of the surgeon from the viewpoint of medical boards. Reality and responsibility].

Postgraduate training in general surgery in Germany is regulated by state law and administrated by the Arztekammer. The formal conditions for the performance of the postgraduate training are published in the postgraduate regulations of the Arztekammer. The content of the postgraduate training is dictated by Guidelines that are based upon recommendations of scientific and professional organisations. The above mentioned regulations will be presented in this article as well as the procedure that is applied by the Arztekammer Nordrhein to evaluate the accreditation of those people and organisations who are eligible to administer the postgraduate training. Further perspectives on the professional future of surgeons in Germany are addressing the background of a growing number of doctors who are facing the changing conditions of the legal framework within which they will have to work.