- How are the core competencies addressed during residency?
Generally, during orientation, PGY-1s are given a list of competencies and a general timeframe during which they should have accumulated a certain number of items. ABS specifies a somewhat general criteria, and the individual programs design a system for residents to meet it. As far as I'm aware, programs are not hugely disparate from one another, but no 2 are identical.
- Is there an emphasis on the competencies in your training?
Please don't take this the wrong way, but isn't an emphasis on developing competence part of the definition of the word "training"?
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- Were the competencies addressed during surgical rotations in med school?
I think different people may have different experiences. Students who showed an interest in surgery may have been given a deeper look into the rabbit hole, while those who weren't generally wouldn't do much beyond what the rotation rubric required.
- Where was the larger emphasis on the competencies, on rotations or during residency?
In some ways, I think the competencies of residency are kind of like a continuation of the basic competencies in rotations.
- How do YOU think you'll go about mastering the core competencies?
Practice. At least 750 procedures, with 150 as a chief will often help with proficiency. Most actually end up doing considerably more than that.
- Why are this so important?
If you're not competent in something, you can't do it as a profession. The experts identify certain things that they feel are invaluable to a successful and competent surgeon, and training helps ensure proficiency.
- Would you ever see a need for a small pocket book or an e-book to help you incorporate the competencies into your day to day?
Maybe? AFAIK, pocket books are more of a medicine thing. There are various pocket-sized management references available already, and many residents actually already use electronic versions in PDAs, etc. For the technical competencies, I don't think any quick reference type thing would be feasible.
- How do you measure or evaluate your level of competency?
When you feel less nervous before attempting something, that probably (hopefully) means you're getting better at it. Constructive criticism also helps identify deficiencies or proficiencies. Additionally, there are numerous benchmarking exams that help identify competency. Demonstration of technique to the satisfaction of the teaching staff, combined with satisfactory decision-making and patient management, as well as satisfaction of basic ABS requirements are what leads to advancement in residency, so as long as an individual is progressing to the satisfaction of the program, that probably means they are where they need to be. Hopefully this helped somewhat!
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