Operative experience in the Victorian general surgical training programme.
BACKGROUND
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons recommends minimum operative and endoscopy training requirements for advanced trainees in general surgery. This study examines the influences of trainee seniority, geographical location of surgical rotation, and surgeons' remuneration arrangements on the operative and endoscopy experiences of general surgical trainees in Victoria.


METHODS
Trainee log books covering two 6-month training periods in the year 2001 were analysed for depth and breadth of reported operative and endoscopy experience.


RESULTS
A total of 81 trainee log books was reviewed. Senior trainees were significantly more likely to have a higher primary operator experience. Total operative caseload and primary operator experience, in terms of major operative cases, were greater in rural rotations. Endoscopy experience was significantly greater in rural rotations. Operative exposure to gynaecological, laparoscopic, orthopaedic, paediatric and plastic surgical procedures was significantly greater in rural rotations. Surgeons' remuneration arrangements were not significantly related to trainee operative experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Rural surgical rotations enhance the depth and breadth of operative experience of Victorian general surgical registrars, allowing greater exposure to subspecialty surgical procedures.
Wong
Kenneth
K
Monash Centre for Rural Health, La Trobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon, Victoria, Australia. kennethwo@yahoo.com
Birks
David
D
D001315:Australia; D002983:Clinical Competence; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D012042:Registries