Many studies have documented the value of international rotations to American medical trainees. Surgical residency programs may now incorporate international surgical rotations into their curricula. We surveyed non-US surgical residency program directors and residents to see if sending US surgical residents to other countries can benefit not only the US residents, but also the residents in the host programs.

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We would like to find areas where US residents’ strengths and weakness can complement those of their international colleagues. Capitalizing on this would make exchange rotations mutually beneficial. We anticipate identifying specific complementary areas of mutual benefit for international exchange. We hope to define a broader role for international rotations in the general surgery residency curriculum.