A proposed surgical training pathway for the 21st century

Numerous problems have been identified with current UK surgical training. These include the balance between generalist and specialist practice, service provision and training time, and work-life balance. This article proposes modifications to the current training pathway. A three-stage training model is discussed using modular training to clearly identify training aims and end-points and allow flexibility in training and working practices. This will help with workforce planning and work-life balance and support high quality patient-focused surgical training in the 21st century.