title: Transition from Training to Surgical Practice.
abstract: Surgical training graduates require a period of adjustment as they transform from trainees to experienced surgeons. Making a smooth transition is important for patient safety and new surgeon success. A subset of current graduates does not feel confident to enter directly into practice. Residency design with curriculum refocus, credentialing to encourage graded responsibility, and increased operative exposure is necessary. Onboarding programs should include formal mentoring, career counseling, proctoring by senior surgeons, and objective review of outcomes. The ACS developed a one-year TTP program to provide independent decision-making, operative autonomy, mentoring by senior surgeons, and practice management experience.
authors.affiliation: Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Gundersen Health System, 1900 South Avenue C05-001, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA. Electronic address: thcogbil@gundersenhealth.org.
authors.forename: Thomas H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Cogbill
authors.affiliation: Department of General and Vascular Surgery, Gundersen Health System, 1900 South Avenue C05-001, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Shapiro
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008611:Mentors; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D014481:United States; D014830:Vocational Guidance
keywords: General surgery careers; Mentoring; Onboarding programs; Surgical education; Transition to practice programs