ACGME Core Competency Training, Mentorship, and Research in Surgical Subspecialty Fellowship Programs

Objective To determine the perceived effectiveness of surgical subspecialty training programs in teaching and assessing the 6 ACGME core competencies including research. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting ACGME approved training programs in pediatric urology and colorectal surgery. Participants Program Directors and recent trainees (2007-2009). Results A total of 39 program directors (60%) and 57 trainees (64%) responded. Both program directors and recent trainees reported a higher degree of training and mentorship (75%) in patient care and medical knowledge than the other core competencies (p Conclusions Not all 6 core competencies and research are effectively being taught in surgery subspecialty training programs and mentorship in areas outside of patient care and research is lacking. Emphasis should be placed on faculty supervision and feedback when designing methods to better incorporate all 6 core competencies, research, and mentorship.