The Current Training Procedure

Becoming a surgeon involves a rigorous combination of academic study and hands-on experience. After completing a 5–6-year undergraduate program, surgical training typically spans another 5-6 years, often followed by 1-3 years of fellowship for specialization. This comprehensive pathway equips surgeons not only with technical expertise but also with the resilience and adaptability required for the demands of the profession.

The apprenticeship model is central to surgical training, offering the advantage of developing skills in a real-world context with actual patients, tissues, and organs. However, this method leaves little room for error, as inexperience, insufficient methodological knowledge, or poor stress management can lead to complications, particularly in complex cases. Relying heavily on apprenticeship also presents limitations, including restricted access to training opportunities, extended preparation times for specialists, and heightened professional risks during practice [1].

Some programs incorporate training with animals or donated bodies to bridge gaps in practical experience, but these approaches face legal, ethical, and logistical challenges. High costs and limited access to surgical cases further influence the choice of training methods [2]. Despite these barriers, resources such as medical literature, surgical videos, and simulators remain integral to most training programs. Unfortunately, not all surgical training programs can integrate all these methods, leading to varying levels of preparedness and associated challenges, as discussed in subsequent sections.

Sources:
[1] doi:10.1016/j.jss.2008.02.014
[2] doi:10.1016/j.aopr.2023.01.001