Paradox of Resident Case Numbers

Numerous articles, lectures, and commentaries have debated the importance of and requirements regarding operative experience and competence of surgical residents. The authors of “Factors Associated with General Surgery Residents' Operative Experience During the COVID-19 Pandemic” expertly point out the negative effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on general surgery resident operative experience, identify case volume differences between level 1 trauma and nontrauma centers d uring the pandemic, and highlight important mitigation strategies. Graduating residents and those in surgical education have been concerned about the surgical skills of residents and their ability to operate independently. The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly had a negative effect on the operative volumes of current residents leading to the question, will competency be negatively affected by this decrease in experience?
Source: JAMA Surgery - Category: Sports Medicine Source Type: research