Will the local ACGME-trained surgeon be adequately prepared? An estimate of the impact of duty hour restrictions on operative experience.

Currently, General Surgery residents in their 5-year residency are projected to perform the duties and responsibilities equivalent to those performed by registrars in the old system in their 4th and 5th year of residency, including the same on call, clinical and operative responsibilities. Traditionally, it was during the period of Table 1. Comparison Between Traditional British-Based System and ACGME Residency