Problem addressed: Minor surgical procedures are an important part of general practice. Family medicine faculty members must feel competent in performing common office procedures in order to teach them to residents.
Objective of program: To upgrade the skills of 25 family medicine faculty members in minor surgical procedures through a half-day workshop.
Main components of program: The workshop covered seven procedures: removal of lumps and bumps, basic suturing, intrauterine contraceptive device insertion, endometrial biopsy, casting and splinting, injection of joints, and office microscopy. Small groups of faculty members spent 30 minutes at each station where brief didactic sessions were followed by hands-on practice. The workshop was evaluated using an evaluation form immediately after the workshop and questionnaires before and 6 months after.
Conclusion: Teaching minor surgical procedures is an essential part of the curriculum in a family medicine residency program. A faculty development workshop in minor surgical procedures is one means of upgrading the skills of faculty members in order to ensure that they can teach adequately in this area.