Teaching and Assessing Colorectal Surgery Residents in the Age of ACGME Competencies: Pieces of the Whole

Abstract

Educators have struggled with teaching and evaluation of the six Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies since their introduction in 1999. In addition, many authors have questioned the construct validity of the competencies. Concern has also arisen regarding the educational effects of the competencies and the subsequent limitation of resident duty hours, the combination of which have forced unprecedented changes in American graduate medical education. This article attempts to present an understanding of how these events have had direct and indirect effects on the education of residents in colon and rectal surgery, and to provide a framework for educators in colon and rectal surgery to adapt in their curricula.

Keywords

ACGME competencies - colon and rectal surgery residency - technical competence - surgical judgment - effects of duty hour limits

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