An ambulatory program for surgical residents and medical students.

Teaching in the ambulatory setting is important for medical educators because of the economic, social, and medical trends that are pushing patients into this health care setting. While medical education in the hospital setting maintains its important role, education in ambulatory care demands innovations and new strategies. A pilot program based in a freestanding ambulatory surgery center has been developed as part of a surgical residency training program. In the present article, the author describes the program, outlines its curriculum, and details the daily activities of the residents and medical students. A brief history of ambulatory surgery is given.