title: Usefulness of the American College of Surgeons' Fundamentals of Surgery Curriculum as a knowledge preparatory tool for incoming surgery interns.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Fundamentals of Surgery Curriculum (FSC) is an interactive system that engages interns in case-based scenarios that involve identifying symptoms, ordering tests, and formulating treatment plans. In this study, we examined the usefulness of the FSC as a knowledge preparatory tool for incoming interns.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty incoming interns participated in this study. Half were asked to complete 96 FSC cases before internship orientation (ie, the experimental group). The other half did not receive FSC accounts (ie, the control group). During orientation, all interns completed an examination that was representative of the FSC cases. Interns completed a survey to assess the usefulness of the FSC cases. American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) scores were also examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Interns in the experimental group completed an average of 71.1 cases before taking the examination and had higher median examination percent correct scores (P < .011). Interns rated the FSC cases as "extremely helpful." There were no differences in terms of ABSITE percentile rank or the basic science and clinical management sections of the ABSITE.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The FSC is a useful preparatory tool for interns when administered before starting internship; however, this benefit may not extend to the ABSITE.
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA. willisr@uthscsa.edu
authors: Ross E
authors: RE
authors: Willis
authors: Richard M
authors: RM
authors: Peterson
authors: Daniel L
authors: DL
authors: Dent
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012955:Societies, Medical; D013044:Specialty Boards; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States