Training Today’s Operators for Tomorrow: Current Status and Challenges of Surgical Schools
Seance of wednesday 17 september 2025 (Ecoles de Chirurgie)
DOI number : 10.26299/4se4-8c43/emem.2025.38.02
Abstract
Contexte / Background
Under the auspices of the National Academy of Surgery, a national survey was conducted in 2025 to evaluate surgical and interventional medicine schools. These structures have become essential for training healthcare professionals in a context of increasing numbers of residents, continuous technological progress, and growing safety requirements.
Objectives / Objectifs
The study aimed to:
1. Identify surgical schools in France.
2. Describe their organization, educational offer, and research activities.
3. Highlight their strengths and needs for the future.
Methodology / Méthodologie
A questionnaire was sent to all French universities, through deans, anatomy laboratories, and surgical school structures identified online. Data were analyzed according to status, governance, funding, pedagogy, and research.
Results / Résultats
• 27 surgical schools identified; 100% response rate.
• Status: Only 44% with legal framework, 38.5% with official agreement with university hospitals.
• Governance: Mainly ensured by faculties.
• Educational offer: Mainly for postgraduate students, complemented by continuing education, but still limited in structure and certification. Main themes: simulation, 3D anatomy, robotics, endoscopy.
• Research: 60% active, often with international collaborations.
• Funding: Budgets under €250,000 in 85% of cases, mainly from faculties and partially from industry partnerships.
Conclusion / Conclusion
Surgical schools form an essential yet fragile network. Ensuring sustainable funding, formal institutional recognition, and strengthening certified pedagogical programs are priorities to establish them as true centers of excellence for operator training.
Under the auspices of the National Academy of Surgery, a national survey was conducted in 2025 to evaluate surgical and interventional medicine schools. These structures have become essential for training healthcare professionals in a context of increasing numbers of residents, continuous technological progress, and growing safety requirements.
Objectives / Objectifs
The study aimed to:
1. Identify surgical schools in France.
2. Describe their organization, educational offer, and research activities.
3. Highlight their strengths and needs for the future.
Methodology / Méthodologie
A questionnaire was sent to all French universities, through deans, anatomy laboratories, and surgical school structures identified online. Data were analyzed according to status, governance, funding, pedagogy, and research.
Results / Résultats
• 27 surgical schools identified; 100% response rate.
• Status: Only 44% with legal framework, 38.5% with official agreement with university hospitals.
• Governance: Mainly ensured by faculties.
• Educational offer: Mainly for postgraduate students, complemented by continuing education, but still limited in structure and certification. Main themes: simulation, 3D anatomy, robotics, endoscopy.
• Research: 60% active, often with international collaborations.
• Funding: Budgets under €250,000 in 85% of cases, mainly from faculties and partially from industry partnerships.
Conclusion / Conclusion
Surgical schools form an essential yet fragile network. Ensuring sustainable funding, formal institutional recognition, and strengthening certified pedagogical programs are priorities to establish them as true centers of excellence for operator training.