Editorial Commentary: Proficiency-Based Training: Are We Ready for a New Way to Train and Test Orthopaedic Surgeons?

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Orthopaedics

Background:

• Historically, orthopaedic training relied on an apprentice/mentorship model.
• Current residency and fellowship programs are built upon this foundational training method.
• This approach ensures physicians and surgeons are credentialed to safely treat patients.

Discussion:

• Proficiency-based training has demonstrated efficacy across various surgical specialties over the last two decades.
• Recent applications include general surgery, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, and plastic surgery.
• The Copernicus project highlights its success in shoulder arthroscopy.

Key Insights:

• Proficiency-based training offers a structured, measurable approach to surgical skill development.
• Its effectiveness is validated across multiple surgical disciplines.
• The model ensures competency before patient involvement.

Outlook:

• Advancements in virtual reality technology can be synergistically combined with proficiency-based training.
• This integration promises to accelerate surgeon competency in surgical skills.
• Virtual reality simulation allows for safe skill acquisition prior to patient contact.