AB133. SOH24AB_071. The master and the apprentice: a history of surgical training and regulation

Background: The necessity for surgeons to be a master in technical skills is evident throughout the ages. Various iterations of training have been used to teach successive generations. The delivery of surgical care has changed immensely over time, and with it, the training of surgeons.

Methods: This presentation assesses the evolution of surgical training and regulation throughout the ages. It discusses advances in theories, their application, and adoption amongst educators and surgeons around the world. It presents contemporary surgical education in its historical context, and thus extrapolates likely future trends.

Results: This review details the transition of training and regulation of surgical practice through history. Various iterations of training have been used to teach successive generations. These have been centred primarily on a master and apprenticeship model, which still remains a fundamental aspect of surgical education regardless of formalisation in training, use of adjuncts to teaching, current pressures on the healthcare system, or evolving technology. Changes have occurred around the globe in training and regulation. They have evolved from ad-hoc practices to standardised systems. We are likely to only be at the precipice however, with further regulation and developments in surgical training forecasted.

Conclusions: Insights from this review can help shape further improvements in surgical training and predict future aspects of regulation and credentialing in surgical practice.

Keywords: Surgery; regulation; training; evolution; future