title: A survey of UK surgical trainees and trainers; latest reforms well understood but perceived detrimental to surgical training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the United Kingdom, surgical training reforms as part of modernising medical careers (MMC) became fully operational in 2007. This study aims to establish the level of insight and views about MMC based surgical training amongst surgical trainers and trainees working in the National Health Service.
  
  
  METHODS
  An electronic survey consisting of eight questions was disseminated to surgical trainers and trainees via a web-based link placed on Association of Surgeons in Training website.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 138 responses were received. Of those, 77% (n = 107) were from trainees. 92% (n = 127) of respondents understood that the purpose of MMC surgical reforms was to provide structured training. 98% (n = 135) agreed traditional SHO training was poorly structured. Two-thirds (67%, n = 92) believed that MMC will reduce the total time period to complete surgical training. 82% (n = 113) recognised work place assessments as an assessment tool for MMC competencies. 82% (n = 113) were aware that an educational supervisor is assigned to monitor individual training. 70% (n = 96) understood that training is a shared responsibility between trainee, educational supervisor and supervising consultants. However, 69% (n = 95) of respondents believed the standard of surgical training via MMC will deteriorate, 18% (n = 25) anticipated no difference, 8% (n = 11) passed no comments and a mere 5% (n = 7) perceived it as an improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study confirms a generally good level of insight amongst trainers and trainees into the aims and structure of MMC based surgical training. However, the majority believe that ultimately the standard of surgical training is set to fall.
authors.affiliation: Leeds General Infirmary, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom. drsajidm@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Sajid
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mehmood
authors.forename: Saima
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Anwar
authors.forename: Jamil
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tayyab
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: O'Regan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013222:State Medicine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom