Innovation in Surgical Education and Increasing the Surgical Workforce

The global shortage of surgeons threatens health care systems, especially in resource-limited areas. This synopsis explores modernizing surgical education by shifting from traditional apprenticeship models to competency-based training supported by technology. Key innovations include telementoring, simulation-based training with virtual reality and artificial intelligence and scalable online learning platforms. Faculty development is enhanced through virtual networks and global collaboration. Policy strategies such as national surgical plans, task-sharing, accreditation reforms, and public-private partnerships are vital. Scaling these innovations and addressing workforce retention challenges can rapidly expand the surgical workforce, ultimately improving health care outcomes for underserved populations worldwide.