Andrew J Spillane1, Kathy L Flitcroft2, Sanjay Warrier3, Annette G Katelaris4. 1. Breast & Surgical Oncology, The Poche Centre, 40 Rocklands Rd, North Sydney, NSW, 2060, Australia; The University of Sydney, Northern Clinical School, NSW, 2006, Australia; The Mater Hospital, North Sydney, NSW, 2060, Australia; Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia. Electronic address: andrew.spillane@sydney.edu.au. 2. Breast & Surgical Oncology, The Poche Centre, 40 Rocklands Rd, North Sydney, NSW, 2060, Australia; The University of Sydney, Northern Clinical School, NSW, 2006, Australia. Electronic address: kathy.flitcroft@melanoma.org.au. 3. Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia; Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia; Institute of Academic Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW, 2050, Australia. Electronic address: sanjay@drsanjaywarrier.com.au. 4. The University of Sydney, Professional Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, NSW, 2060, Australia. Electronic address: annette.katelaris@sydney.edu.au.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Breast surgeon training has been restructured since the inception of Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand Inc. (BreastSurgANZ) in 2010. In 2016 a voluntary online course with a contemporary curriculum for breast surgery was initiated and taken up by the majority of post-fellowship trainees (PFTs). This article reports on PFT's perceptions of these major changes. METHODS: A 46-item online survey was sent to the 56 PFTs enrolled in 2015-2017. The survey canvassed PFT's views on aspects of the two-year training program, the Graduate Certificate in Breast Surgery (GCBS) and the role of BreastSurgANZ in training. RESULTS: 33/56 participants responded. The training program was rated positively with variation in satisfaction levels depending on operating experience and quality of training between clinical placements. The majority of respondents endorsed restricting numbers of training positions. GCBS students valued the clinical knowledge and structured format of the course. A range of diverse, often opposing, opinions were expressed on the appropriate role of BreastSurgANZ in training and accreditation. DISCUSSION: The dissonance caused by variability in training exposure and perceived mentor quality in different sites was the most important finding. The GCBS was well regarded by all students but time constraints and costs prevented some PFTs from undertaking the course. Standardisation of mandatory requirements for full BreastSurgANZ membership was identified as an issue for further consideration. CONCLUSION: This evaluation illuminates the challenges of providing consistently high quality breast surgical training. Many of the issues raised are being addressed by BreastSurgANZ.
INTRODUCTION: Breast surgeon training has been restructured since the inception of Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand Inc. (BreastSurgANZ) in 2010. In 2016 a voluntary online course with a contemporary curriculum for breast surgery was initiated and taken up by the majority of post-fellowship trainees (PFTs). This article reports on PFT's perceptions of these major changes. METHODS: A 46-item online survey was sent to the 56 PFTs enrolled in 2015-2017. The survey canvassed PFT's views on aspects of the two-year training program, the Graduate Certificate in Breast Surgery (GCBS) and the role of BreastSurgANZ in training. RESULTS: 33/56 participants responded. The training program was rated positively with variation in satisfaction levels depending on operating experience and quality of training between clinical placements. The majority of respondents endorsed restricting numbers of training positions. GCBS students valued the clinical knowledge and structured format of the course. A range of diverse, often opposing, opinions were expressed on the appropriate role of BreastSurgANZ in training and accreditation. DISCUSSION: The dissonance caused by variability in training exposure and perceived mentor quality in different sites was the most important finding. The GCBS was well regarded by all students but time constraints and costs prevented some PFTs from undertaking the course. Standardisation of mandatory requirements for full BreastSurgANZ membership was identified as an issue for further consideration. CONCLUSION: This evaluation illuminates the challenges of providing consistently high quality breast surgical training. Many of the issues raised are being addressed by BreastSurgANZ.