Virtual simulation in the surgical world.
Surgical simulation technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Medical-simulation validation studies have established that surgical skills honed using a simulator significantly improved trainee performance by decreasing operating times, improving efficiency, and decreasing errors. Integration of surgical simulation technologies into the medical training and education system improves the quality of the graduating surgeon, reduces the time to proficiency, and improves overall patient safety. This article discusses the current state of medical-simulator technology research, development, and use. It points to growing support from the surgical governing and regulation agencies; and predicts that medical students and surgical residents will be able, and mandated, to develop procedural skills in a life-like and no-risk environment.