Previous investigations have focused on challenges that surgeons face once they have entered into practice. We have yet to explore difficulties in the training environment, and whether these have an effect on professional development. In this study, we investigate how certain environmental factors can affect skill acquisition for the resident surgeon. Our trial tests whether psychosocial constructs affect task-performance. This study is a multi-center endeavor with the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, the University of Washington, and UPMC. Over an 12 month period, residents will be asked to complete surveys and a laparoscopic skills assessment, which will be administered after residents are randomized to an intervention or control arm. The intervention arm will be asked to read an article that is meant to trigger psychosocial constructs that we hypothesize will affect skill performance. The control arm will receive a neutral article prior to completing the laparoscopic skills assessment.

Inclusion Criteria: Categorical General surgery residents who completed undergraduate medical education in the United States

Exclusion Criteria: Residents who have completed graduate medical education training in a subspecialty prior to their general surgery residency.