Benefits of professionalism training for surgical residents

Editor's Note

Professionalism education improved surgical resident understanding, awareness, and practice of professionalism in a significant manner in this study.

A year-long professionalism curriculum was developed at New York University School of Medicine, New York City, which focused on challenges such as:

• admitting mistakes
• effective communication with colleagues at all levels
• delivering news of an unexpected death
• working as a team
• obtaining informed consent through an interpreter
• the stress of surgical practice on the surgeon and surgeon’s family.

Objectives: Professionalism education is a vital component of surgical training. This research attempts to determine whether an annual, year-long professionalism curriculum in a large surgical residency can effectively change professionalism attitudes. Summary of Background Data: The ACGME mandated 6 competencies in 2003.