A comprehensive curriculum for thoracic surgery: survey of opinions from program directors and residents.

BACKGROUND

The Comprehensive Thoracic Surgery Curriculum was developed to provide program directors with a basis for planning instruction and evaluating residents, program practices, and outcomes. A survey design was selected to obtain opinions about the curriculum from a large group of people, ie, all program directors and all active residents.

METHODS

Two parallel instruments were developed: one to be completed by program directors and one to be completed by active residents. Responses were collated for directors and residents, entered into a computerized database, and compared using the chi 2 statistic.

RESULTS

A response rate of 93% was obtained from the directors and 79% from the residents. The survey demonstrates broad-based support for a comprehensive curriculum by the respondents. Current perceptions of and expectations for the curriculum are diverse and regionalized. Serious concerns are expressed about quality issues and particularly the environment for residency education.

CONCLUSIONS

The thoughtful responses of our colleagues will guide leaders who will implement the curriculum for thoracic surgery. Strategies for change will necessarily focus on the prerequisite curriculum.