Case log review produces translational change in surgical oncology education

Background. The recently mandated reduction in surgical resident work hours led to concerns that surgical cancer education would suffer, as measured by cancer case exposure. Methods. Final operative logs submitted to the American Board of Surgery by chief residents graduating from our program were compared for 2 time periods: prior to the mandate (2002-2003) and after (2006-2007). Results. Case logs from graduating residents (n = 36) showed a nonsignificant decrease in cancer as the percentage of total major cases, due to an actual increase in total major cases. Conversely, endoscopy and minor cancer case experience both decreased. Conclusions. Exposure to minor cancer cases and endoscopies has decreased; this has led to a reuirment for a minimum number of endoscopies/graduatingresident, and to strategies for increasing exposure to minor cancer cases.