Return to the Real World: A Novel Program to Improve Resident Readiness for the Transplant Surgery Rotation

Objective We describe a novel didactic program to prepare mid-level residents for the operative complexities of the transplant surgery rotation. Design A faculty led dry and wet lab experience was held for all residents returning to clinical rotations from a 2-year research experience. Residents were provided instructional video prior to the dry lab and instructed through both labs by transplant faculty and fellows. The culmination of the program entailed a porcine renal autotransplantation. Setting The University of Cincinnati, Department of Surgery, Cincinnati, OH. Participants Incoming third year general surgery residents returning to clinical rotations from a 2-year research experience. Results This lab was well received by residents and faculty and increased confidence in residents. Conclusions This program increased confidence in complex operations seen on the transplant surgery rotation and can be replicated in a cost-effective manner.