gms | German Medical Science

Historically, surgical training has relied on primarily an apprenticeship model, whereby trainees accompany experienced surgeons to learn the art, science, and practice of surgery. While this model has numerous merits, there are clearly some disadvantages. One of the primary drawbacks of this model is that there can be variable levels of training among individuals depending upon the knowledge and skill of their respective instructors. Standardized educational tools, which can provide consistent resources for residents in training, will likely have an increasing role.

With the advent of new, portable electronic devices such as iPhones and iPads, the ability to access information rapidly has become the hallmark of the current, and likely, the future generations of plastic surgery residents. In response to this, the national society of plastic surgeons in the U.S. has launched a new website, Plastic Surgery Education Network, which provides on-line lectures, and presentations based upon a comprehensive curriculum. In fact, educational research grants are now available that are geared towards encouraging the development of new educational tools and “apps” for plastic surgery residents. Furthermore, future methods of training are likely to expand the use of surgical simulators, which is already widespread among laparoscopic surgeons, but has yet to be used for plastic surgery procedures.

In the U.S., there has been a trend towards increased regulation and oversight by governing bodies to ensure consistent training among residency programs nationwide. This has been stimulated by a desire to ensure patient safety and improve patient outcomes. In the U.S., residency programs must comply with the policies of the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and the specialty-specific Residency Review Committee (RRC) in order to maintain accreditation.

As we look towards the future, we can expect greater challenges in training the next generation of plastic surgeons. These challenges will be discussed, as well as ways that training programs and faculty must change in order to ensure the long-term viability of our specialty.