Paediatric surgical training: a system that works.

Background: Paediatric surgical trainees going through the system at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH), Melbourne, have been impressed with the amount of time dedicated to postgraduate training compared with other institutions. They generally felt well prepared to sit for Fellowship examinations. We decided to look at the programme offered at the RCH and objectively assess the results.

Method: A review was undertaken of the training system at the RCH. Opinions were sought from recent and current trainees and compared with trainees in other disciplines. Figures were obtained from the RACS Examinations Office with respect to pass rates at Fellowship examinations.

Results: The training programme is outlined in some detail. A total of 79% of candidates passed their FRACS in paediatric surgery while at the RCH since 1985, compared with 52% from all other institutions.

Conclusions: A successful training programme requires a commitment to educate one's junior colleagues. Busy consultants can contribute actively by offering to teach and by encouraging their trainees to attend rounds and tutorials. The rewards are better-educated and well-rounded surgeons as well as, hopefully, a higher pass-rate at the Part 2 examination.