The Importance of External Memory for Surgeons

Surgeons are faced with the constant challenge of retaining vast amounts of crucial information in real-time during every case. Despite their best efforts, it is nearly impossible to remember everything they are told, leading to a loss of critical knowledge.

To combat this issue, having a video library or external source of information to review and study could have a significant impact on a surgeon’s learning and growth.

For example, even the most dedicated learners can only take so many notes during a case, but hours later, their memory has already started to fade and become filled with inaccuracies. Their notes, no matter how well intentioned, are often incomplete and confusing.

An established professor of learning science once stated that tools and technology, such as writing utensils and books, are a part of an “exoskeleton” that enhances our abilities to learn and think. However, in the operating room, surgeons are stripped of this exoskeleton, making it nearly impossible to keep up with the demands of the ever-moving case and the distractions surrounding them.

The use of video libraries and external sources of information would provide a more permanent and accurate representation of the information presented during each case, allowing surgeons to refer back to it as needed. This, in turn, would allow them to better retain the information and improve their surgical skills over time.

In conclusion, the current method of retaining information in the operating room is flawed and leads to a loss of critical knowledge. Utilizing a video library or external source of information would greatly enhance a surgeon’s ability to learn, retain, and apply new information, leading to better outcomes for patients.