The making of a great surgeon

摘要

There are occasions when one has a surgical trainee who is observed to have "great hands" and is felt destined to have the tools to be a "great surgeon." Yet, is exceptional dexterity all that is needed? Surgery has its roots as far back as ancient Egypt, and very likely at every epoch there have been individuals who might well have exhibited all the attributes to fulfill the moniker of "a great surgeon." With the rapid advances in technology and with surgical training undergoing major transformation, it might be useful to more clearly define what it ultimately takes to be considered the top of the field. Atul Gawande, MD, in his article entitled "Creating the educated surgeon in the 21st century"1 noted that it has long been recognized that good surgery requires technical skill, safe judgment, and dedication. Adding to these criteria would be communication skills, decision-making skills, and empathy for the patient. Yet, those individuals who prove to be "great surgeons" must have something more to stand above their well-trained peers.