A brief historical perspective and a comparison of the current systems of surgical training in Great Britain, Germany and the United States of America.

The surgical training programs of Great Britain, Germany and the United States were designed with some considerable exchange of ideas between these countries. However, although they share certain similarities, these training schemes have developed their own unique features and characteristics. Since the profession of surgery has entered a new period of transition, the education of its trainees will require judicious modifications in the near future.