Not Like They Used To: The Decline of Procedural Competency in Medical Training

As a primary care pediatrician trained before work hour restrictions were enacted, I spent hours mastering procedures that trainees today rarely perform. The changing landscape of health care clinician roles, technology, and work hour restrictions have all contributed to a remarkable decline in trainees' procedural competence which has significant negative effects for patients, health care systems, and physicians themselves. I suggest simulation, live training, mentoring, and scheduled opportunities as ways to reemphasize the importance of learning these technical skills.