Surgical Training and Education: An Unusual Comparison of 2 Departments in a Community Hospital Setting

Abstract

Introduction:

General Surgery programs are highly regarded for providing operative procedures to trainees. Obstetrics and Gynecologic Surgery programs also offer a multitude of surgical procedures. We would like to compare and contrast these two types of programs in the hopes of further advancing the art of surgical education and broadening the career options of those considering a career as a cosmetic surgeon.

Materials and Methods:

Operating room and labor and delivery records from Providence Hospital were collected for the calendar year of 2004. The records were reviewed for total number of cases by service. The procedures were then substratified by recognized surgical difficulty and risk (minor vs. major).

Results:

Trainees in the General Surgery department participated in 4708 cases; in the Obstetrics and Gynecologic Surgery department, trainees participated in 4474 cases. The 3 most frequent categories for General Surgery trainees were laparoscopic cholecystectomy (515, major procedure), breast biopsy (427, minor procedure), and resection of lipoma (359, minor procedure). In comparison, for the Obstetrics and Gynecologic Surgery trainees, the 3 most frequent categories included cesarean section (1099, major procedure), hysteroscopy with dilation and curettage (632, minor procedure), and total abdominal hysterectomy (475, major procedure).

Conclusions:

Trainees in both programs enjoy exposure to a large number of major and minor operative procedures. It appears that more major procedures are available to trainees in Obstetrics and Gynecologic Surgery. Applicants should consider either type of training to prepare for a future cosmetic surgery practice.