General Surgery Residency Educational Goals

The educational goal of the General Surgical Residency Training Program of the University of North Carolina Surgery Program is to prepare the resident to become a highly competent board certified general surgeon. On completion of their training our graduates will be equally qualified to: attain placement in a surgical subspecialty fellowship; pursue a career in academic surgery; or enter private practice, rural or metropolitan.

This goal is attained by means of a progressively graded curriculum of study and clinical experience under the guidance and supervision of the faculty. Progression continues through succeeding stages of responsibility for patient care to culminating in complete management of patient care at the senior/chief level.

Additional objectives include:

1. Use sound judgment to guide surgical decision making based upon a firm ethical base.

2. Manage surgical disorders based on a thorough knowledge of basic and clinical science.

3. Attain and perfect surgical skills necessary to be a competent surgeon.

4. Communicate effectively with patients and their families regarding life altering decisions.

5. Respect the cultural and religious needs of patients.

6. Collaborate effectively with colleagues and other health professionals.

7. Teach and discuss surgical issues with colleagues, residents, medical students, and other health care providers.

8. Educate patients and their families about the patient’s health needs.

9. Provide cost-effective care to surgical patients.

10. Value life-long learning as a necessary prerequisite to maintaining surgical knowledge and skill.