The Second Look: The Future of Surgical Education

Operative video review is increasingly being recognized as a valuable tool in surgical education. By providing an objective and reproducible record of intraoperative performance, video review allows trainees and educators to revisit technical maneuvers, decision-making, communication, and operative flow in ways not possible through memory alone. Beyond identifying errors, video analysis can help reveal the subtle cognitive and technical behaviors that characterize surgical expertise. Video-based assessment also offers the potential for more objective evaluation of surgical competency and deliberate practice. As digital technologies and artificial intelligence continue to evolve, operative video review may become an increasingly important component of modern surgical training. Its successful implementation, however, will require careful attention to confidentiality, psychological safety, and educational culture.