How do Trainers Think They Should Train? A Qualitative Study Investigating the Training Practices That General Surgical Consultants Value

Participants emphasized trainee responsibility for proactive learning whilst simultaneously describing structural constraints limiting their capacity to deliver desired training. This tension may reflect broader contradictions in how training responsibilities are understood within current systems. Participants identified resource limitations, particularly time and access to training funding, as barriers beyond their control. However, perceptions that training produces "reasonable" consultants may reduce urgency for systemic change. Findings suggest that meaningful improvement in surgical training may require both institutional changes-such as formal recognition and resourcing of training activities-and collective advocacy by trainers themselves to address structural barriers. Given this study's single-region focus, further research across multiple regions and specialties would strengthen understanding of whether these perspectives reflect wider patterns in UK surgical training.