The evolution of surgical training in the UK

Surgical training in the UK has undergone major reforms over the last few decades. The focus has shifted from time based training to competency based training programs. This paper discusses the transformation of assessment in surgical training in the UK from the apprenticeship model to a more objective workplace-based assessment model. The paper describes the different milestones during this transformation process and discusses the assessment of surgical and nonsurgical skills in a measurable way; moreover, it highlights the strengths and weaknesses of different assessment tools.