Current surgical training

The training of surgeons has changed dramatically over the past half century. In the past, surgeons were trained using face-to-face training, less often using animal and cadaver models. The objective of nowadays surgical education is to efficiently and economically train a self-reliant surgeon within a condensed timeframe. This surgeon should possess proficiency in a broad spectrum of surgical procedures, adeptly handle cutting-edge technologies, exhibit expertise across diverse clinical scenarios, deliver commendable outcomes, and prioritize patient well-being. Furthermore, this skilled practitioner should be capable of sharing knowledge, not only with younger peers but also with seasoned colleagues, fostering a collaborative and supportive professional environment. The chances to undertake such a responsibility are constrained by the swift progress in medical technologies, time constraints aimed at preventing physician burnout, and a significant focus on ethics, patient rights and their safety.

Surgical training is fundamentally composed of two essential components: theoretical preparation and the development of practical skills. These elements are interdependent; one cannot exist effectively without the other.

Surgical training could be continuous throughout all years of study. Suggestions for integration of surgical knowledge into medical studies when preparing students for surgical specialties, presented in a table 1. In the early stages of their education, students acquire foundational knowledge in subjects such as anatomy, histology, and physiology through traditional learning methods. This theoretical groundwork is crucial, as it provides the necessary context for understanding complex surgical procedures. However, as students’ progress, the integration of practical skills becomes paramount. The most effective training methods are those that seamlessly combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.

Table 1. Continuous Surgical Education Program Option

Year/Stage	Curriculum Components	Recommended Teaching Methods
First Year of Medical School	Basic medical sciences: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry	Lectures and seminars Interactive workshops Online learning modules Peer study groups Flipped classroom sessions
Second Year of Medical School	Advanced medical sciences: pathology, pharmacology	Lectures and seminars Group discussions
	Introduction to clinical skills: patient interaction, physical examination techniques	Role-playing scenarios Group discussions Simulation labs
	Surgical antisepsis: principles of asepsis, antiseptic techniques, practical skills: surgeon preparation for surgery, surgical hand scrub, gowning, general norms of behavior in op theater	Lectures and seminars Simulation labs Interactive workshops Video analysis Peer teaching
Third Year of Medical School	Surgical principles: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care	Lectures and seminars Case-based learning Interactive workshops
	Clinical rotations: basics in various specialties	Lectures and seminars Peer study groups Mentorship programs
	Clinical skills development: advanced physical examination, surgical techniques, instruments and devices	Role-playing scenarios Simulation labs Video analysis
	Practical skills: suturing, knot tying, suture removal, wound dressing, surgical field preparation and covering, aseptic technique	Simulation labs Video analysis of surgical techniques Clinical skills workshops Observing surgeries Peer teaching
Fourth Year of Medical School	Clinical rotations: basics in various specialties	Lectures and seminars Peer study groups Mentorship programs
	Advanced surgical skills: continued practice, minimally invasive techniques	Simulation competitions Mentorship programs Simulation labs
Last 2 years of Medical School	Supervised clinical practice: managing patients, basic surgical procedures	Clinical supervision Simulation-based training Assisting in surgeries Reflective practice Feedback sessions with supervisors Team-based learning Research projects
Specialty Training (Residency)	Core surgical training: intensive surgical training, rotations through disciplines	Simulation-based training Clinical supervision
	Advanced surgical skills: mastery of complex procedures, research participation	Clinical supervision Interdisciplinary collaboration Surgical grand rounds Research projects Quality improvement projects
	Preparation for independent practice: final assessments, leadership skills	Leadership workshops
	Licensure: completion of training requirements	Exams
		Peer review and feedback sessions