Revisiting Surgical Skill Acquisition: Mental Simulation and Deliberate Practice

"Revisiting Surgical Skill Acquisition: Mental Simulation and Deliberate Practice" by Vaikunthan Rajaratnam is a comprehensive exploration of surgical education and skill development in the modern medical landscape. With over 40 years of experience in surgery, medical education, and instructional design, Rajaratnam offers a profound insight into the evolving field of surgical training.

This book delves into the historical context of surgical education, tracing its evolution from the traditional apprenticeship model to the contemporary era of Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME). Rajaratnam highlights the strengths and weaknesses of structured educational frameworks and discusses the impact of CBME on surgical training.

The book's significant focus is simulation's role in surgical education, including mental simulation, motor imagery, and mental practice. The author deeply understands the theoretical basis for these practices, emphasising their importance in enhancing surgical skills.

"Revisiting Surgical Skill Acquisition" also explores the concept of deliberate practice and its application in surgery, drawing on Ericsson's Deliberate Practice Model to illustrate its relevance in the surgical context.

The book discusses integrating technological innovations in surgical education, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and virtual and augmented reality. Rajaratnam examines how these innovations are revolutionising surgical training and enhancing patient safety.

Curriculum development is another crucial aspect covered in the book, focusing on designing curricula that align with competencies and outcomes. The author addresses challenges in clinical rotations, assessment, and the teaching of professionalism and ethics.

Global perspectives on surgical education are explored, emphasising the importance of international collaborations and the adaptation of surgical training to diverse healthcare systems.

Furthermore, the book delves into the psychological aspects of surgical training, addressing stress, burnout, resilience building, and the importance of mental health for surgeons.

Ethical considerations in surgical training and practice are thoroughly discussed, highlighting the moral dilemmas that surgeons may encounter and offering guidance on navigating them.

Finally, the book provides insights into future directions in surgical education, considering emerging trends and potential disruptions, such as artificial intelligence, personalised medicine, and global collaboration.

"Revisiting Surgical Skill Acquisition: Mental Simulation and Deliberate Practice" is a valuable resource for surgeons, medical educators, and anyone interested in advancing surgical education and patient care. It offers a comprehensive overview of the field, combining academic rigour with practical insights to guide the future of surgical training.