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The performance of master surgeons on standard aptitude testing
N K Francis1, G B Hanna, A B Cresswell
1Department of Surgery and Molecular Oncology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, Dundee, United Kingdom.
American Journal of Surgery
|September 5, 2001
Summary
Master surgeons demonstrate superior eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity compared to medical students. However, their visuo-spatial abilities were found to be lower than the average norm.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Medical Training
- Psychomotor Skills Assessment
Background:
- Optimal surgical performance relies on specific psychomotor abilities.
- Identifying these abilities aids in selecting surgical trainees.
- This study assessed these skills in highly regarded endoscopic consultant surgeons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the level of psychomotor abilities in expert endoscopic surgeons.
- To compare these abilities against medical students and established norms.
- To inform selection criteria for surgical trainees.
Main Methods:
- Twenty "master" endoscopic surgeons participated.
- Aptitude tests included the Gibson Spiral Maze (eye-hand coordination), Crawford Small Parts Dexterity (manual dexterity), and Space Relations (visuo-spatial ability).
- Performance was benchmarked against 20 medical students and test manual norms.
Main Results:
- Master surgeons showed significantly fewer errors on the Gibson Spiral Maze (20th percentile) compared to medical students (50th percentile).
- Manual dexterity (Crawford Small Parts Dexterity) was comparable between master surgeons (24th percentile) and medical students (20th percentile).
- Visuo-spatial ability (Space Relations) was lower in master surgeons (30th percentile) than in medical students (65th percentile).
Conclusions:
- Expert endoscopic surgeons possess higher eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity than the general norm, including medical students.
- Their visuo-spatial abilities were found to be comparatively lower.
- These findings suggest specific psychomotor profiles associated with surgical expertise.