The impact of a pediatric surgery fundamentals boot camp on new surgical trainees' perceived knowledge and confidence levels

Background: Transition periods within surgical education are characterized by heightened stress and a sense of under-preparedness. We evaluated the self-reported knowledge and preparedness of new surgical residents for pediatric rotations, and the impact of a pediatric surgery fundamentals boot camp on the same. Methods: An annual full-day pediatric surgery boot camp, consisting of didactic and interactive lectures, was created in 2020 as part of a 4-week surgical boot camp for new residents in general surgery, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, urology, orthopedics, otorhinolaryngology, maxillofacial surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology, delivered each July. The topics focused exclusively on pediatric surgical and anesthetic perioperative care. An anonymous on-line evaluation was completed by trainees in 2021, 2022, and 2023, assessing their baseline pediatric surgical preparedness, knowledge, and confidence, and the impact of the boot camp on these areas. Results: Of 114 trainees who attended the boot camp over the three years, 79 (69 %) provided evaluations. Trainees characterized their baseline knowledge of perioperative management of pediatric patients as average (46, 58 %) or weak/very weak (31, 39 %). The program increased the confidence of 57 trainees (72 %) for starting their pediatric rotations and improved understanding of both pediatric surgical perioperative and anesthesia issues in 70 (89 %) and 65 (82 %) participants, respectively. A majority (69, 87 %) concurred that the course significantly justified the time invested. Conclusion: New surgical trainees report baseline weak to average levels of knowledge of perioperative pediatric surgical care. A pediatric surgery fundamentals boot camp was well received by trainees, and substantially improved their self-reported knowledge and readiness.