BACKGROUND: There have been no attempts to objectively compare resident tea
ching ability with resident knowledge level.
METHODS: Resident teaching ability, as rated by medical students and junior
surgical residents, was compared with resident knowledge level, estimated
by in-training examination results, for 18 PGY5 and PGY4 surgical residents
at McGill University (September 1996 to July 1997).
RESULTS: There was a trend to suggest that greater teaching ability is asso
ciated with higher in-training examination scores; this did not achieve sta
tistical significance. PGY4 residents were rated as better teachers than PG
Y4 residents. Resident self-evaluation revealed a high degree of interest i
n teaching; inadequate time was the principal deterrent to resident teachin
g; enjoyment and learning during teaching were found to be the most common
incentives.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an association between resident level of k
nowledge and teaching ability. The principal deterrent to teaching-inadequa
te time-must be addressed to effectively assist surgical resident teaching.
Am J Surg. 1999;177:33-37. (C) 1999 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.