General Surgery Residency Curriculum: Conferences

The development of a resident into a skilled general surgeon requires extensive experience in the operating room as well as a structured academic environment that will provide the knowledge required to make appropriate decisions in patient management in a timely fashion. An extensive academic curriculum has been developed and forms the nidus around which the residents’ knowledge base develops.

Surgical grand rounds

On a monthly basis between September and June, the department of surgery conducts a formal grand rounds conference, held in the hospital auditorium. A variety of topics pertinent to surgeons are presented throughout the year by attending physicians and visiting professors. Visiting professors also interact with the residents at an informal case conference and social gathering the evening prior to the grand rounds presentation.

Mortality and morbidity conference

The surgical mortality and morbidity (M&M) conference is one of the major conferences for the residents and staff of the department of surgery. This conference is held on a weekly basis.

Mortalities, as well as significant morbidities, are discussed in the context of the clinical care provided. The senior resident attending the patient at the time of the mortality or morbidity is responsible for the presentation. The audience actively participates in an interchange of opinions and knowledge. Each presentation is referenced to the surgical literature so the educational experience will be enhanced. 

Curriculum conferences

Didactic curriculum conferences are held weekly. The basic science topics include: wound healing, hemostasis, hematologic disorders, oncology, shock, circulatory physiology, surgical microbiology, respiratory physiology, gastrointestinal physiology, genitourinary physiology, surgical endocrinology, surgical nutrition, fluid and electrolyte balance, metabolic response to injury including burns, musculoskeletal biomechanics and physiology, immunobiology and transplantation, applied surgical anatomy and surgical pathology. The clinical curriculum focuses on the management of surgical disorders by body system. (e.g., gastrointestinal).

Resident administration meeting

Twice each month the program director and program manager meet with the residents as a group to discuss ongoing program management and hospital issues. An open forum is maintained so a free flow of information takes place and serves to improve the overall function of the program.

Multidisciplinary tumor board

A variety of site-specific tumor board conferences are held throughout the week to discuss the management of newly diagnosed and recurrent cancers. The participants in these conferences include general and specialty surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, medical and radiation oncologists, and support personnel. Residents may be asked to present cases at these conferences, depending on the particular service or rotation.