There is a paucity of research comparing resident training experiences of university, community, and military-affiliated surgical programs.

We reviewed a cross-sectional national survey (NEARS) involving all US categorical general surgery residents (248 programs). Demographics and level of agreement regarding training experiences were collected. Statistical analysis included chi-square, ANOVA, and hierarchical logistic regression modeling (HLRM).

There were 4,282 residents included (82.4% response rate). The majority (69%) trained in university programs. Types of programs differed by sex mix (p < 0.001), racial makeup (p = 0.005), marital status profile (p = 0.002), and parental status profile (p < 0.001). Community residents were most satisfied with their operative experience (community 84.5%, university 73.4%, military 62.4%; p < 0.001), most likely to feel their opinions are important (76.0% vs 69.4% vs 67.9%, respectively; p < 0.001), and least likely to believe attendings will think worse of them if residents asked for help with patient management (12.6% vs 15.9% vs 14.7%, respectively; p = 0.025). Military residents were least likely to report that surgical training is too long (military 7.4%, community 14.0%, university 23.8%; p < 0.001). On HLRM, community programs were independently associated with residents feeling their opinions are important (odds ratio [OR] 1.91; p < 0.001), and reporting satisfactory operative experience (OR 4.73; p < 0.001). Residents training at military programs (OR 0.23; p = 0.002) or community programs (OR 0.31; p < 0.001) were less likely to feel that surgical training is too long, or that attendings will think worse of them if asked for help with patient care (community OR 0.19; p < 0.001; military OR 0.27; p = 0.004).

Residents at university, community, and military programs report distinct training experiences. These findings may inform programs of potential targeted strategies for enhanced support.