Goal-setting in Plastic Surgery using the SMART principle

Introduction The process of continuous acquisition of surgical expertise is a key element in registrar training. The principle of active, self-directed learning, which is regularly applied in medical school, can also be used to gain surgical expertise in registrar training.Methods Surgical training can be compared to acquiring expertise in music or sport, where both intellectual and manual capabilities are required. Specific training principles, including analysis, goal setting, practice and reflection on the process, are commonly encountered in these fields. Smart goal setting is preferred in order to ensure compliance and a successful strategy. This can also be used in plastic surgery training.Application Surgical principles as well as partial or complete surgical procedures can be practiced using the smart principle. The fragmentation of a larger task into smaller units allows rapid acquisition of surgical expertise without impeding patient safety.Discussion Surgical training today happens in a setting caught between economic and medicolegal challenges. The reduction of case load requires simulation practice as well as self-directed learning - which has been shown to improve outcomes. The smart principle allows distinct goal setting which can improve compliance of the student and increase success. As this form of learning is not intuitive to all individuals, supervisors and mentor can support trainees in the acquisition of surgical expertise using this principle.