Strengthening Residency Training: Challenges and Solutions from the 2025 AOA Resident Leadership Forum

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-4-2026

Publication Title

J Bone Joint Surg

Abstract

The 2025 American Orthopaedic Association C. McCollister Evarts Resident Leadership Forum convened 161 incoming chief residents in orthopaedic surgery from across the country to identify shared challenges and to propose resident-driven solutions for improving graduate medical education. Four priority areas emerged: (1) faculty engagement, (2) structured feedback, (3) communication between residents and leadership, and (4) residency culture. For each of these areas, this article presents actionable strategies, such as incentive models to support teaching, feedback councils to foster bidirectional dialogue, shadowing initiatives to build empathy, and recognition systems that reinforce shared values. The recent implementation of the Knowledge, Skills, and Behavior Program of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery is highlighted as a step toward standardized assessment of intraoperative performance. Together, these efforts aim to enhance transparency, equity, and well-being in surgical training. As the field evolves, orthopaedic programs must invest in environments that support both clinical excellence and human sustainability. This work calls on leadership to help shape a more inclusive, resilient culture of orthopaedic education.

PubMed ID

Not assigned.

Volume

108

Issue

5

First Page

341

Last Page

344

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