Organizing surgical simulation centers in response to disruptive technologies

Medical knowledge continues to expand rapidly, and surgeons are faced with increasing numbers of surgical procedures that must be learned and mastered. This revolution is occurring against a backdrop in which practitioners are required to become more efficient in patient care, with fewer hours available for teaching and learning. The added pressure of reduced work hours has led to limited options for responding to new disruptive technologies. When a new procedure such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy is introduced, how can large numbers of practicing surgeons and residents in training be trained to be safe and efficient without compromising patient care? The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has recognized this problem and has formulated an ad hoc committee to create a model for what will ultimately be ACS-approved regional skills centers that will offer surgeons, surgical residents, and medical students opportunities to acquire and maintain surgical skills, as well as learn new procedures and the use of emerging technologies.