The goal of this study was to explore the resident construct for their perceived successful method of actions that lead to OR autonomy during residency and the strategies they employed.

We conducted focus group interviews with residents from the General Surgery (GS) and Obstetrics & Gynecology (OBGYN) departments at a single academic institution across all clinical postgraduate years (PGY) using convenience sampling. Audio recordings of each interview were transcribed, analyzed and emergent themes were identified using a framework method.

A total of 38 residents participated. A 3-stage resident method to gain operative autonomy emerged. This progresses from building rapport, developing mutual entrustment, and finally to obtaining autonomy. We identified 4 common strategies used by residents to construct this method: smart communication, attention to attending preferences, helpful allies and visible attributes.

Our findings provide insight into resident strategies to achieve progressive autonomy in the OR helping programs improve resident’s learning efficiency.