GENERAL-SURGERY IN EVOLUTION - TECHNOLOGY AND COMPETENCE

This paper addresses the current status of General Surgery, the direct ion in which it is moving, and how to prepare for future changes. The paper points out that, since the predicted effects of new technology o n the practice of General Surgery are more technical complexity, decre asing invasiveness, and fewer traditional operations, the consequences for the training of surgeons, the division of responsibilities among specialists, and the organization of surgical care will be substantial . In light of the current difficulty in dealing with the stresses with in General Surgery, the paper discusses how changes in residency train ing and an increased use of Fellowships will enable the specialty to h andle such disruptive changes in the future.