The pathway to a career in surgery is highly competitive, with junior doctors required to demonstrate aptitude, commitment, and preparedness in their applications to the Surgical Education and Training (SET) program. The Basic Surgical Program (BSP) at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) is a Pre-Surgical Education and Training (Pre-SET) initiative designed to provide structured surgical education, skills training, and mentorship for prevocational doctors interested in surgery. Pre-SET programs have emerged across Australia but there are no studies to date that evaluate their effectiveness or outcomes. This study aims to review the BSP’s impact on participant preparedness, outcomes and identify opportunities for program improvement. Eighty-four doctors who completed the two-year program between 2018-2023 were invited to complete an online questionnaire. Data was collected from fifty-nine responses. Likert-scale responses were numerically coded and dichotomised into negative and positive categories to facilitate quantitative analysis. Free-text responses underwent thematic content analysis, with two independent reviewers coding responses and resolving discrepancies by consensus. Overall, 44% of respondents applied to SET training, and of those who applied, 56% were accepted. Among successful applicants, 87% agreed that participation in the BSP facilitated advancement into surgical training. The program was well regarded overall, with 87% of respondents reporting that they would recommend the BSP to junior doctors considering a surgical career. Despite these strengths, respondents identified limitations in access to research opportunities and variability in mentorship, highlighting key areas for further program development. This study highlights how a formalised pre-SET program can enhance preparedness for surgical training through targeted skills development and academic support. The findings underscore the role such programs can play in supporting junior doctors and offer a foundation for informing and strengthening similar initiatives across Australia.