Investigation on surgical residents'willingness and expectation for training in clinical competence and research in standardized residency programs

Ge Xiaolong; Zhou Wei; Yang Jin

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2096-4293.2026.01.003

Abstract：Objective To investigate the willingness for training in clinical competence and research among surgical residents in standardized residency programs,and to analyze differences in training expectations among residents of different academic backgrounds and training stages.Methods A self-designed questionnaire based on the national standardized residency training syllabus was administered to 108 surgical residents at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,Zhejiang University.The survey investigated the expectations regarding training effectiveness in ward rounds,clinical duties,operating room practices,outpatient training,professionalism,literature review,and research participation.Results Among the 108 participants,47 were postgraduate residents and 61 were non-postgraduate residents.The cohort included 39 first-year,39 second-year,and 30 third-year residents.Postgraduate residents reported significantly higher expectations than non-postgraduate residents in outpatient training,operating room practices,and research-related training.Third-year residents demonstrated higher expectations than first-and second-year residents across most domains,particularly in foundational clinical knowledge and research skill development.Second-year residents outperformed first-year residents only in expectation for laparoscopic camera handling.All the above differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Conclusion Surgical residents exhibit high overall expectations for standardized residency training,with notable variations based on academic background and training stage.Tailored teaching strategies and personalized training plans should be implemented to address these differences and enhance clinical competence and scientific research thinking effectively.