Should the general practitioner be entrusted with professional activities in Minimally Invasive Surgery? A proposal based on experiential learning

Abstract

Introduction. Training in minimally invasive surgery and the definition of specific, socially responsible and safe professional activities for the patient are a challenge and a duty in medical education. Our objective is to argue in favor of this intervention and describe the specifications, scope and limitations of trustworthy professional activities at this level, as well as its place in an experiential learning model in minimally invasive surgery for life. Methods. The context of the surgical care activity of general practitioners is evaluated, in relation to their participation in the surgical team and the need to incorporate in their professional profile some competencies of minimally invasive surgery, according to their level and functions. Through an academic and reflective posture, gaps and opportunities to advance the subject are identified. Results. The professional profile of a general practitioner should consider minimally invasive surgery as a skill within their training, in a similar way to those of traditional open surgery. For this, it is necessary to coherently face the change in surgical theory and education, the change in the demand for surgical services and procedures, as well as strengthening the active role of the general practitioner in the surgical team. Conclusions. It is necessary to modify the educational paradigm in surgery from undergraduate medical training. An experiential learning model of minimally invasive surgery is proposed, and the skills based on reliable professional activities, necessary for the professional profile of a general practitioner of the 21st century, are established.