Nondesignated preliminary residents in general surgery: 25-year outcomes.

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.

Do men and women use the same criteria in selecting a general surgery residency program? Results of a 20-year study in a non-university program.

Background: To assess applicant preferences in general surgery program selection, we surveyed current and former residents of our non-university general surgery residency program over the last 20 years, with particular emphasis on male and female selection preferences.

Methods: Surveys were distributed to current and former categorical residents. Respondents were asked to rate 25 residency criteria using a Likert scale.

Has the 80-hour work week had an impact on voluntary attrition in general surgery residency programs?

Background: This article attempts to assess the effect of the duty-hour limitations implemented in 2003 on voluntary withdrawal of general surgery residents.

Study Design: A questionnaire asked the program directors how many categorical general surgery residents left voluntarily in 2003 to 2004, their training levels, why they left, and where they went. Results were compared with an identical study of 2000 to 2001 and analyzed statistically using chi-square analysis.

How do general surgery replacement residents match up with those recruited through the National Resident Matching Program?

Background: Although the scope and patterns of attrition of general surgery residents have been reported, no study has examined the residents who replaced them. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of replacement residents (RRs).

Methods: A questionnaire asked program directors (PDs) about the prevalence, characteristics, and disposition of RRs in general surgery residency programs from 2001 to 2002.

General surgery residency program websites: usefulness and usability for resident applicants.

Objective: To assess the content of general surgery residency program websites, the websites' potential as tools in resident recruitment, and their "usability."

Design: The homepages of general surgery residency programs were evaluated for accessibility, ease-of-use, adherence to established principles of website design, and content. Investigators completed a questionnaire on aspects of their online search, including number of mouse-clicks used, number of errors encountered, and number of returns to the residency homepage.

Voluntary changes in surgery career paths: a survey of the program directors in surgery.

Background: This article attempts to quantify the current scope of attrition, identify the reasons why categorical residents are leaving general surgery residency programs voluntarily, and correlate the program directors' and residents' perspectives.

Study Design: A questionnaire asked the Program Directors of general surgery residency programs how many categorical residents left voluntarily in the 2000-2001 academic year, their postgraduate (PGY) levels, why they left, and where they went. Another questionnaire asked the residents why they entered surgery and why they left.