Adapting Pediatric Anesthesia Education to Generation Z Learners: A Narrative Review

Pediatric anesthesiology is a subspecialty with high complexity requiring advanced technical skills, rapid decision-making, and empathetic communication. Children present with distinct physiological and anatomical vulnerabilities, and several studies suggest that traditional training models largely based on observation and supervised participation may not consistently provide sufficient hands-on exposure, particularly for rare but critical events. Concurrently, a generational shift has reshaped medical education, with Generation Z (Gen Z) trainees demonstrating preferences for interactive, technology-supported, and feedback-rich learning environments. This narrative review, based on a focused synthesis of literature from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar (2000-2025), integrates evidence from both pediatric anesthesia-specific studies and broader medical education literature to examine how contemporary educational strategies align with evolving learner characteristics. Findings suggest that the most effective approach is not reliance on any single innovation but a thoughtful integration of experiential learning, structured simulation, digital reinforcement, and mentorship within competency-based frameworks. When implemented alongside supervised clinical exposure, these approaches may enhance skill acquisition, engagement, and preparedness. Aligning pediatric anesthesia education with modern learning science and generational needs is, therefore, timely and necessary. Carefully designed learner-centered training models may strengthen competency development while upholding ethical principles such as "training without harm," ultimately preparing anesthesiologists to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care to children.