Fundamental Skills for Entering Neurosurgery Residents: Report of a Pacific Region Boot Camp Pilot Course, 2009

Incorporation of the first postgraduate year of training into neurological surgery residencies in 2009 posed new challenges to neurosurgical educators. A "boot camp" course was held in August 2009 to introduce first year neurosurgical trainees to various fundamental cognitive and practical skills. The effectiveness of this course was evaluated by electronic survey of all trainees and faculty members. Eighteen trainees entering 5 western neurosurgical residencies (in either the first or second postgraduate year) participated in a course taught by 10 faculty members at a single host institution (Oregon Health & Science University) for 2 days. All trainees completed an online survey evaluating the relevance and quality of each didactic and hands-on course component and answered additional questions about the goals and design of the course. Faculty members were also surveyed. All trainees thought the course met its goals, provided relevant and useful information and experience, and was likely to improve patient care. In particular, hands-on procedural and operative course components were highly valued. A fundamental skills boot camp course for first year neurosurgical trainees seems valuable.