The evolution of surgical training: perspectives on educational models from the past to the future

Abstract

Surgical education and training have progressed through the centuries, with the most commonly used model being the apprentice model. With advances in medical knowledge and practice, the apprentice model has evolved and competing models have arisen. However, the apprentice model remains the gold standard today, but for future use, further evolutionary changes will need to be made to the apprentice model if it is to continue to remain an effective education paradigm.