title: Assessing the competencies in general surgery residency training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competencies have increased the focus on education. A 1-year study of observational assessments was conducted.
  
  
  METHODS
  "Point of Observation" evaluations were completed by faculty for postgraduate year (PGY) I and II surgery residents. Resident procedures and patient office visits were rated in 9 categories, using a Likert scale. Interns were expected to perform at a novice level (0-30%) and PGY II residents at an advanced level, with improvements expected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PGY I and II residents showed overall improved scores (12% and 6%, respectively) over 1 year. Intern improvements in 9 categories were linear, ranging from 0% to 48%. PGY II resident scores were more variable, with improvements noted in 6 categories ranging from 10% to 30%. Three categories declined in scores, ranging from 2% to 18%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Competencies bring emphasis to education and measurable outcomes. Early efforts have proven valuable in identifying curriculum and learning needs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Michigan State University, 1200 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 655, Lansing, MI 48912, USA. cheryl.anderson@ht.msu.edu
authors.forename: Cheryl I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Amy B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Jentz
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Harkema
authors.forename: L Rao
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Kareti
authors.forename: Keith N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Apelgren
authors.forename: Carol A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Slomski
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000193:education*