February 14, 2024

Niamh Jones 

12th Grade

Rougemont School

In the rapidly advancing field of medicine, it is crucial to improve surgical training for the next generation of healthcare professionals. With the emergence of Generation Z into the workforce, a cohort characterized by their reliance on technology, there is a growing need to adapt traditional training methods to ensure the highest quality of patient care. Therefore, it is imperative to explore new avenues for improving surgical training for the first ‘digital’ generation. 

The integration of technology is one essential improvement that must be implemented into surgical training. Generation Z is the first generation to have grown up with unlimited access to digital tools. As a result, they are naturally adapted and capable of using technology in various aspects of their lives. Enhancing surgical training with the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) would boost confidence and efficiency. A 2019 study found that patients who received care from surgeons who underwent VR training ranked their care as having improved by 230%. VR training is also among the most economical methods of improving surgical training. Surgeons can imitate real anatomy and surgical procedures, through AR and VR. The "da Vinci Skills Simulator" is credited with bringing this training approach to light recently by highlighting the importance of integrating technology. Generation Z would benefit immensely from these training techniques, as they provide real-time feedback, more learning opportunities, track progress, and help boost surgeons’ confidence by allowing them unassisted practice. 

Using online learning platforms and resources is another enhancement that can be implemented into surgical training to improve upon classroom learning methods. Generation Z is accustomed to quickly accessing information and resources online as opposed to sifting through books whenever they have questions. Therefore, implementing online platforms into training would be advantageous. Including interactive online modules and video tutorials tailored towards the learning preferences of new generations would enhance traditional classroom methods, and allow students to reinforce and review their understanding of surgical techniques. The reality is that students today utilize different study tools and methods than students twenty years ago because of how advanced technology has become. The surgical training system must be adapted to fit the learning methods of the new students of Generation Z.

Collaboration and mentorship are crucial and could be strengthened through the use of social media and networking platforms. These would enable flexible collaborative learning, experience sharing, advice seeking, and peer and mentor feedback. Additionally, they would maximize accessibility in mentorship opportunities and enable online group and individual sessions for trainees and experienced surgical professionals. 

Furthermore, incorporating telemedicine and telesurgery into the training curriculum would provide trainees with opportunities to observe and participate in real-time surgeries remotely. This approach can offer trainees exposure to a wider range of surgical cases and techniques, as well as the chance to learn from experts in different geographical locations. By embracing telemedicine and telesurgery, educators can provide Generation Z with a more diverse and global perspective on surgical practices, ultimately enriching their training experience. 

It is also critical that surgical trainees acquire emotional intelligence and soft skills. Communication with patients and colleagues, stress management, and teamwork are essential for success. Therefore, training programs should incorporate modules on empathy, communication, and stress management to assist trainees in developing these crucial skills alongside their technical expertise. Today, many companies, especially those involved with customer service, are implementing soft skills training into their employment process. For instance, Walmart now uses virtual reality to train their employees to deal with customers and practice empathy. Soft skills training is crucial in medicine, a field in which proper communication with patients is critical for doctors and surgeons to provide patients with proper care. 

Improving surgical training requires a comprehensive approach that leverages technology, promotes collaboration, supports well-being, and adapts to the changing needs of the field – and the students. Furthermore, it is essential to prioritize the needs of Generation Z in order to cultivate a generation of skilled and compassionate professionals who provide the highest quality of care to their patients.