From the Guidelines
The best surgeons are those who possess a unique combination of technical skill, clinical judgment, and interpersonal abilities, with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement and a commitment to staying current with evolving surgical techniques and technologies. Exceptional surgeons demonstrate precise manual dexterity, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination that allows them to perform complex procedures with minimal tissue damage, as highlighted in the context of innovation adoption in surgical practice 1. They maintain comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, and their capability to engage in behavior change is facilitated by their awareness of procedures or guidelines 1. Great surgeons exhibit sound clinical decision-making, knowing when to operate and when to pursue alternative treatments, and they remain calm under pressure, adapt quickly to unexpected complications, and communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams.
Some key characteristics of the best surgeons include:
- Technical excellence, with a focus on precise manual dexterity and spatial awareness
- Clinical wisdom, with a comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology
- Human connection, with empathy and emotional intelligence to understand patients' concerns and maintain professional boundaries
- Commitment to continuous improvement, through self-assessment, peer feedback, and ongoing education
- Ability to create a culture of collaboration, with a focus on infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, and correct surgical approach 1.
Ultimately, the best surgeons are those who can balance technical skill with clinical judgment and interpersonal abilities, while prioritizing continuous improvement and optimal patient outcomes. This combination of skills and qualities is essential for delivering high-quality care and achieving the best possible outcomes for patients, in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life 1.
From the Research
Characteristics of a Good Surgeon
- A good surgeon is expected to have strong theoretic knowledge and practical skills, as well as professional and personal characteristics such as common sense, which enables them to make sound practical judgments independent of specialized medical knowledge and training 2
- According to a survey study, the main qualities of a great surgeon include dexterity, meticulousness, and empathy, with human qualities being of paramount importance 3
- A study on faculty reflections found that good surgeons possess unique nontechnical qualities, including being perceptive and caring, self-reflective and growth-seeking, confident and humble, driven and balance-seeking, and honest and responsible 4
Importance of Non-Technical Skills
- Non-technical skills, such as communication and teamwork, are essential for a surgeon's success, as they enable effective collaboration with other healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes 3, 4
- Operating theater health professionals and patients place more emphasis on human qualities, such as empathy and communication, than surgeons do 3
Role of Knowledge and Experience
- Knowledge is essential for a surgeon to understand the disease and prepare the patient and operating team for the procedure 3
- Experience and continuous learning are crucial for a surgeon to develop and maintain their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies 2, 4
Prevention of Surgical Site Infections
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) can be prevented through strict adherence to established surgical guidelines for perioperative care, including proper patient preparation, use of prophylactic antibiotics, and infection control practices 5, 6
- A multi-faceted approach to prevention, involving both patient-related and procedural factors, is essential for reducing SSI rates and improving patient outcomes 6