An evaluation of the application procedure for surgical house officership.

The application procedure for surgical house officership was evaluated at 25 university affiliated surgical training programs. Major inadequacies were found with the present system. The prospective house officer often does not receive relevant, up-to-date or useful literature, and interviews and tours were frequently conducted in a haphazard manner. Recommendations are offered to improve the application process and criteria are provided, which should assure adequate levels of information and help the candidate arrive at an appropriate decision with regard to postgraduate training.