Virtual Training and the Science of Expertise: A Narrative Transformation of Endoscopy Education

For decades, endoscopy training relied on the apprenticeship model, "see one, do one, teach one." This approach is increasingly inadequate given the growing complexity of procedures and global demand for skilled practitioners. The science of expertise shows that mastery requires deliberate practice, structured feedback, and progressive benchmarks. These principles are central to simulation-based mastery learning (SBML). When combined with virtual platforms, SBML overcomes logistical, geographic, and faculty limitations, offering scalable, efficient, and equitable training. This article explores the evolution of endoscopy education from apprenticeship to SBML and finally to virtual SBML.