title: Nondesignated preliminary residents in general surgery: 25-year outcomes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study assesses the outcomes of nondesignated preliminary (NDP) residents in general surgery (GS) at an independent, nonuniversity training program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Records of all NDP residents from 1984-1985 through 2008-2009 were reviewed, and residents' careers were followed. Designated preliminary and categorical residents were excluded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty-two residents completed the NDP year. Three of these residents also completed a second postgraduate NDP year. A total of 60 NDPs (97%) continued in accredited postgraduate programs. Forty-eight graduates (77%) pursued surgery-associated careers: 26 (42%) in GS and 22 (35%) in other surgery-related specialties. Eleven of the 26 NDPs who entered GS (42%) became categorical residents in our program. All NDP GS graduates are board certified, board eligible, or are residents in training.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After a preliminary year in GS, NDPs continued in postgraduate medical education followed by board certification, usually in GS or surgery-related specialties. NDPs often obtain categorical positions in the parent GS program.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Abington Memorial Hospital, Abington, PA 19001, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Pezzi
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Leibrandt
authors.forename: Rebecca T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Augustine
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nakao
authors.forename: Karen R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Borman
authors.forename: Thomas L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Dent
authors.forename: John S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kukora
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D002568:Certification; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D010414:Pennsylvania