Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the scope of VCE responsibilities as well as areas of improvement for the VCE role.
DESIGN: An 11-item free response/multiple-choice survey was distributed to prospective participants. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and qualitative methods were used to analyze free response data.
SETTING: Participants completed the survey electronically.
PARTICIPANTS: Current vice chairs of education from across the United States were recruited.
RESULTS: Twenty-five of 60 identified VCE (42% response rate) completed the survey. Responders held the VCE position for 4.7±3.2 years. The majority of respondents reported that they oversaw all educational activities in their department. Twenty-two respondents (88%) indicated that their job responsibilities were appropriate, while two (8%) felt their roles were not well-defined. Four VCE (16%) desired more control over the departmental budget for education-related activities, while two (8%) felt that their role was undermined by their Department Chairperson. Oversight and coordination of departmental education activities was the most frequently reported value for the VCE role. Eighteen respondents (72%) received compensation for their VCE role, but 7 (28%) did not.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey provide insight into the responsibilities and perceived value of the VCE role in surgery. This survey also identified areas of concern which merit intradepartmental examination in order to improve the effectiveness of the VCE role at a local level.