In an era where technological advancements are transforming every industry, healthcare—and more specifically, surgery—is no exception. From the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) to the use of robotics in the OR, the field of surgery is undergoing a seismic shift. But is this for the better? That’s the overall question being addressed in the Town Hall session, “Is Technology Changing Surgery for the Better?”.
The interactive session—Tuesday, October 22, from 7:00 to 7:45 am (Room 157 Upper Mezzanine South)—will engage attendees in a pro/con debate on the growing influence of technology in surgery. Co-moderators, John McNelis, MD, FACS, and Dawn M. Coleman, MD, FACS, will guide the discussion through an agenda of preselected topics, but audience participation will be key, shaping the dialogue in real time.
Artificial Intelligence: Boon or Burden?
One of the hot button topics to be explored is AI and its expanding role in healthcare. AI already has found its place in many ORs, assisting with scheduling, automating tasks, enhancing decision-making, optimizing operational processes and workflows, organizing perioperative care, and proactively troubleshooting disruptions. Proponents argue that AI is streamlining operations, increasing efficiency, and reducing human error, allowing surgeons to focus on what they do best: patient care.
But there also are concerns. Critics caution that relying too heavily on AI may come at a cost. Dr. McNelis will share insights from a recent meeting he attended with a community advisory board. One of the standout questions the public had about the use of AI in healthcare was: How will AI impact the future of surgeon training?
Dr. McNelis will point out that while AI can process vast amounts of data quickly and offer predictive insights, it might inadvertently diminish the hands-on training that has traditionally shaped surgical expertise. He will ask the Town Hall attendees: If AI is doing much of the heavy lifting, how do we ensure that resident surgeons are gaining the practical skills and critical thinking abilities necessary to operate independently?
This leads to another key issue: the potential impact of AI on independent thinking. While AI algorithms can suggest optimal treatment paths, they may encourage a form of “pseudo-surgery,” in which surgeons rely too much on technology and less on their own judgment. There is a risk that future surgeons could become overly dependent on AI, losing the intuition and problem-solving skills that come from years of experience.
Robotics in Surgery: A Technological Leap Forward
Another major topic for discussion will be the role of robotics in surgery. Robotic surgery has been hailed as a breakthrough, offering surgeons greater precision, flexibility, and control. In many procedures, a robotic approach allows for minimally invasive surgeries that result in smaller incisions, reduced recovery times, and fewer complications.
But for some, the increased use of robotic surgery raises concerns about several issues, including cost, risk of security breaches, technology failures or delays, and ethical questions. In addition, Dr. McNelis will question, “As robotic systems become more prevalent, what happens to the traditional skills of ‘open’ surgeons, those who have honed their craft through hands-on experience? Will the art of open surgery slowly fade, replaced by surgeons who rely on machines to perform complex procedures?”
Balancing Innovation, Skill Development
The Town Hall will delve into these questions and more in an attempt to find a balance between technological innovation and the preservation of essential surgical skills. The open format will encourage lively debate, and the goal is not necessarily to reach a consensus, but to explore how technology can complement—not replace—the expertise and human touch that define surgery.
Visit the Interactive Program Planner and add the Tuesday Town Hall to your schedule.
