Variability in Trainee Autonomy and Learning in Surgery (VITALS) Trial

Establishing an empiric basis for surgical training standards

The National Board of Medical Examiners Stemmler-funded Variability in Trainee Autonomy and Learning in Surgery (VITALS) Trial,  also known as “Using Learning Curves to Redefine Training Requirements in General Surgery,” is a large, multi-institutional study collecting data on surgical trainee experience and performance to build predictive learning analytic models. Specifically, it will combine ACGME case logs, EMR data on operative experience, and SIMPL OR data to develop learning curves for the “Core” procedures in General Surgery.

The VITALS Trial research questions are:

1) What is the relationship between surgical trainee operative experience and operative proficiency?

2) How well do existing ACGME case number standards ensure competence?