A pediatric residency program revisited.

There have been few assessments of residency programs by graduates; therefore, to investigate a practical means of evaluating programs we asked former trainees to relate aspects of their training to present professional needs. Former residents in the Duke pediatric program from 1960 to 1972 were asked to evaluate various aspects of their training. The overall training program was rated favorably, as were most deficiencies were identified in ambulatory pediatric care, such as surgery, dermatology, psychiatry, and radiology. Analysis according to respondent's period of participation in the program and current professional activity revealed little variation in patterns of response. This survey method provides an inexpensive means of monitoring inadequacies in residency programs and provides data to initiate changes.