Introduction to General Surgery Training
General Surgery covers a wide range of conditions, and the training curriculum reflects the breadth of knowledge and skills required. The curriculum is intended as a guide to the areas Trainees are expected to cover; it is not a prescriptive or exhaustive list. Trainees are encouraged to read widely, drawing on contemporary surgical literature and diverse learning resources to support their development.
The GSET Programme
In Term 1, 2022, NZAGS introduced the General Surgical Education and Training (GSET) Programme. All Trainees selected from the 2021 intake onwards begin their training at the GSET 1 level.
The GSET Programme is structured around the GSET Curriculum, which outlines the competencies, learning activities, and standards expected throughout training.
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GSET Regulations
The GSET Regulations outline the rules, procedures, administrative processes, and governing principles of the General Surgery training programme. These Regulations align with the policies and strategic direction of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and may reference relevant RACS policies where appropriate.
All Trainees, Surgical Supervisors, Surgeon Trainers, and members of the relevant Committees and Sub‑Committees must comply with these Regulations.
While the Regulations are accurate at the time of publication, the Training Sub‑Committee may update them as necessary to ensure the programme remains current and effective.
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Programme Framework
The GSET Programme is supported by activity frameworks and assessment tools that guide Trainees’ progression and competency development.
Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs)
Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are key components of the GSET assessment framework. They describe essential tasks and responsibilities that a Trainee must be able to perform safely and independently as they progress through General Surgery training. Each EPA is assessed in the workplace by an approved Trainer, who determines the Trainee’s level of entrustment based on observed performance.
EPAs provide a structured way to evaluate day‑to‑day clinical competence and support the shift toward competency‑based training within the GSET Programme.
Download the EPAs here.
Performance‑Based Activities (PBAs)
Performance‑Based Activities (PBAs) assess a Trainee’s operative and procedural skills. They are used to evaluate the technical steps involved in carrying out specific surgical procedures, alongside decision‑making, planning, and postoperative management. PBAs are completed by accredited Trainers, who observe the procedure and provide structured feedback to guide ongoing development.
PBAs help ensure Trainees build the procedural competence expected at each stage of training and align with the overall requirements set out in the GSET Curriculum.
Download the PBAs here.
How EPAs and PBAs Fit Within the GSET Programme
Both EPAs and PBAs are formal assessment tools governed by the GSET Regulations, which outline how training is delivered and assessed in Aotearoa New Zealand. All Trainees, Supervisors, Trainers, and Committee Members are required to follow these regulations.
Together, EPAs and PBAs ensure Trainees are assessed consistently across clinical settings, provide formative feedback to guide development, and support safe progression through the GSET training pathway.
These documents outline key assessment activities, competency expectations, and structured approaches that support consistent training and evaluation across the programme.