Goals, Structure, and Financing of Surgical Residency Training: A Subcommittee Report of the Blue Ribbon Committee II

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. BACKGROUND: Surgical training has continually undergone major transitions with the 80-hour work week, earlier specialization (vascular, plastics, and cardiovascular), and now entrustable professional activities 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 the 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 opportunities 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.