General surgery in Canada: current scope of practice and future needs.

Background: The scope of practice of general surgeons in Canada is highly variable. The objective of this study was to examine the demographic characteristics of general surgeons in Canada and compare surgical procedures performed across community sizes and specialties.

Methods: Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information's National Physician Database were used to analyze fee-for-service (FFS) care provided by general surgeons and other providers across Canada in 2015/16.

An Examination of Self-Reported Assessment Activities Documented by Specialist Physicians for Maintenance of Certification.

Introduction: Specialists in a Maintenance of Certification program are required to participate in assessment activities, such as chart audit, simulation, knowledge assessment, and multisource feedback. This study examined data from five different specialties to identify variation in participation in assessment activities, examine differences in the learning stimulated by assessment, assess the frequency and type of planned changes, and assess the association between learning, discussion, and planned changes.

Methods: E-portfolio data were categorized and analyzed descriptively.