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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Pioneering Patient-Specific Approaches for Precision Surgery Using Imaging and Virtual Reality
Published on: April 5, 2024
Think Like a Surgeon: Piloting a Liver Surgery Course Grounded in Adult Learning Theories for Junior Surgical
Lindsay R Friedman1, Cathleen Hannah2, Tracey Pu3
1Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
Objective:
Surgical education guided by Halsted's, "see one, do one, teach one," model leans heavily on an apprenticeship structure since formalization of surgical education in the 1890s. While the sentiment holds true, surgical education must adapt with evolution of medicine, work hour restrictions, exponential increase in knowledge, and technological advances.
Design:
A longitudinal course grounded in adult learning theories was curated to cultivate knowledge in surgery residents on imaging-based liver anatomy and operative approaches, techniques, and decision making.
Participants:
Junior surgical residents (PGY2-3) in dedicated research time at the Surgical Oncology and Immunotherapy Clinical Research Fellowship Programs of the NIH.
Results:
Nineteen participants demonstrated significant improvement in all metrics assessed. Overall pre-course knowledge scores (52.1%, 95%CI [48.2%, 56%]) significantly increased in post-course evaluations (87.7%, 95%CI [85.1%, 90%], p<0.0001), maintaining significance in individual course score comparisons. Confidence improved across all disciplines from 2.49 to 2.99 points (5-point Likert scale) (p<0.0001). Significance was maintained in subgroup analysis of individual skills (anatomic delineation (2.93 to 3.51), technical approach (2.39 to 2.83), and decision-making (2.17 to 2.65), (p<0.0001)). Participants reported positive feedback regarding content and course structure which guided real-time course augmentation.
Conclusion:
This course represents a feasible educational model highlighting potential of a theory-based curriculum to enhance surgical education. Emphasizing adult learning theories can support deeper learning and advance critical thinking in trainees.
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