Supporting Surgical Training Virtually: Rethinking the Model

A coordinated, structured, program-wide, workflow-sensitive methodology and technology designed to help trainees achieve their potential.

In addition, the surgical landscape is ever changing–economic realities are leading to hospital closures and a dearth of surgeons who can teach residents and students in person. The increasing availability and importance of virtual learning alternatives, along with technological advances, are the foundation for the innovative paradigm shift that has become necessary in surgical training approaches.

This paper discusses the need for procedural specialties training programs to adapt to today’s realities:

• A shift in trainee demographics and cultural characteristics
• An uncertain, sometimes volatile economy
• Rapid technological advances
• The availability of virtual training tools to meet the needs of both trainees and healthcare systems