Surgical residency evaluation by residents

A multiple-choice questionnaire was designed so that surgical residents could evaluate their residency program. It was answered anonymously by 344 residents, four times during a 2-year period, at different stages of training. The answers were analysed, comparing individual hospitals and individual programs within the department. The weaknesses and strengths of the department could be identified by the residents. This identification of problems has brought about major changes in the attitudes of staff surgeons towards teaching. The authors believe that the residents' opinions are essential to amend and improve the quality of postgraduate education.