Britney L. Corey, M.D., MACM, program director of the UAB General Surgery Residency Program, and Samantha Baker, M.D., MsHPE, assistant professor in the UAB Division of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, have co-edited a newly published textbook titled, “Graduate Medical Education in General Surgery: Processes and Strategies for Program and Learner Success,” released in April 2026 through Springer Publishing Company as part of their Excellence in Medical Education series.
The publication is a comprehensive guide to the complex task of administering a general surgery residency program, covering areas such as accreditation, curriculum development, resident assessment, faculty development, and resident and faculty wellbeing. It is intended for leaders in academic and non-academic settings who are involved in developing, managing, or improving general surgery residency programs.
In the volume, Corey and Baker join co-editors Cary B. Aarons, M.D., MSEd, program director of Columbia University General Surgery Residency Program, and Jennifer LaFemina, M.D., associate professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, in compiling best practices.
The book addresses the necessary structure and programming required for Graduate Medical Education (GME) training in general surgery, including obtaining and maintaining Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) program verification, implementing effective assessment and evaluation systems, and fostering positive clinical learning environments. The text also explores emerging approaches to competency-based education, including the integration of entrustable professional activities (EPAs), as well as strategies for faculty development and resident recruitment.
Their work has focused on improving training environments, developing innovative educational strategies, and evaluating outcomes that support resident success. Those experiences informed the book’s practical approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing modern residency programs.
"Our goal was to create a practical resource that supports educators at every stage of program leadership while ultimately enhancing the learning experience for residents and the care they provide to patients,” said Corey.
The editors drew on their collective experience in surgical education research and program leadership to develop a resource grounded in educational best practices while remaining applicable to the day-to-day realities of residency administration.
"Graduate medical education continues to evolve, and educators are constantly adapting to new challenges and opportunities," Baker said. "We hope this book serves as a valuable guide for faculty and program leaders who are committed to creating supportive learning environments and preparing the next generation of surgeons for successful careers."