Editorial Commentary: Resident Involvement in Orthopaedic Surgical Procedures Does Not Negatively Impact Patients.

Abstract

Residency and fellowship training programs have evolved significantly over the past 20 years. As the practice of medicine has become more sophisticated, and as increased economic factors exert pressures on health care delivery, postgraduate physician education is naturally affected. Residency programs have always been a formalized, graduate level apprenticeship, and there is really no way to adequately train new physicians other than direct experience in patient care. In surgery, this means providing young trainees the opportunity to be involved in surgical procedures with a gradual increase in autonomy. However, potential negative impacts, which may include financial or legal ramifications for the providers and adverse outcomes for the patient, are real. As a program director and clinician, I personally struggle with these challenges in balancing quality patient care, efficiency, and education.