The Future of Surgical Training
The Future of Surgical Training is becoming one of the most significant challenges facing contemporary medicine. Advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, simulation and digital technologies are rapidly transforming surgical practice while redefining the way surgeons are trained, assessed and supported throughout their professional careers.
Bringing together internationally recognised leaders in surgery, medical education, biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence and healthcare systems, the International Roundtable explores how surgical training is evolving in Europe and beyond, while offering broader perspectives on how technological innovation is reshaping medical education across scientific disciplines.
Hosted within Association Days Europe 2027, the Roundtable provides an international forum where universities, scientific societies, healthcare institutions, research organisations and industry leaders can exchange perspectives, compare experiences and identify new opportunities for collaboration.
Rather than seeking predefined conclusions, the discussion is designed to stimulate practical reflection on the future of surgical education, encouraging the emergence of shared priorities, innovative approaches and international partnerships capable of strengthening the next generation of surgical training.
Key Themes
Rethinking Surgical Training
How should surgical education evolve to prepare the next generation of surgeons?
This session explores the changing competencies required in contemporary medicine and the role of new educational models in supporting clinical excellence.
Technology, Performance & Patient Safety
Robotics, simulation and artificial intelligence are reshaping the way surgeons learn, practise and improve. The discussion examines how technology can enhance education, performance assessment and, ultimately, patient safety.
Building a Collaborative European Ecosystem
The future of surgical training depends on stronger collaboration among universities, scientific societies, healthcare systems, research organisations and industry. This session explores how these stakeholders can work together to create more accessible and sustainable educational pathways.
From Vision to Action
Beyond identifying challenges, the Roundtable will focus on practical opportunities for international collaboration, highlighting concrete initiatives capable of translating shared vision into future educational, scientific and organisational developments.
International Faculty
The Roundtable brings together experts contributing complementary perspectives to the discussion. Rather than representing a single discipline, the faculty reflects the diversity of expertise required to address the future of surgical training from scientific, technological, educational and institutional viewpoints.
Prof. Jacques Marescaux
Founder & President
IRCAD – Institute for Research into Cancer of the Digestive System
Strasbourg, France
Prof. Salome Maswime
Professor of Global Surgery
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
Prof. Rodolfo J. Oviedo
Professor of Surgery
The Robotic Global Surgical Society (TROGSS)
Houston, Texas, USA
Prof. Michele Diana
Professor of Surgery
IRCAD – Institute for Research into Cancer of the Digestive System
University of Strasbourg
Strasbourg, France
Prof. Arcangelo Merla
Full Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Chair BS.C Biomedical Engineering
Director of the BioEngineering Lab
Department of Engineering and Geology University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti–Pescara
Italy
Prof. Shivani Sharma
Professor of Health Equity and Inclusion
University of Reading
Reading, United Kingdom
Prof. Luigi Marano
Professor of Surgery
Academy of Applied Medical and Social Sciences (AMiSNS), Elbląg, Poland
President – EFISDS (European Federation – International Society for Digestive Surgery)
Scientific Programme
Friday, 26 February 2027
5:00 pm onwards
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal – Venice
OPENING REMARKS
Prof. Francesco Giovinazzo
Scientific Director
Building Bridges Between Science, Technology and Healthcare Systems
Introduction to the Roundtable and presentation of the scientific framework guiding the discussion.
KEY PERSPECTIVES
Global Health & Equity
Prof. Salome Maswime
Equity and Access to Surgical Training in Global Health Systems
Technology & Innovation
Prof. Andrew Gumbs
Technology-Driven Transformation of Surgical Training
Healthcare Systems & Vision
Prof. Jacques Marescaux
The Future of Surgical Training within Healthcare Systems
INTERNATIONAL ROUNDTABLE PANEL
FROM VISION TO ACTION
Building the Future of Surgical Training
A multidisciplinary discussion bringing together complementary perspectives from surgery, medical education, biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence and healthcare systems to explore the future evolution of surgical training.
PANELISTS
Prof. Rodolfo J. Oviedo
Robotic Surgery & Global Surgical Education
Prof. Michele Diana
Digital Surgery & Surgical Innovation
Prof. Arcangelo Merla
Biomedical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Human Performance
Prof. Shivani Sharma
Research, Health Equity & Academic Development
Prof. Luigi Marano
Surgical Education, Simulation & International Training
Moderator
Prof. Umberto Cillo
CLOSING REMARKS
Prof. Francesco Giovinazzo
Scientific Director
From Shared Vision to Future Collaboration
Summary of the principal priorities emerging from the discussion
DISCUSSION FRAMEWORK
The Roundtable will bring together clinical, technological, academic and educational perspectives to explore how the future of surgical training can move from fragmented initiatives toward collaborative, accessible and sustainable models.
1. Rethinking Surgical Training
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Are current surgical training models still sustainable?
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Which competencies will surgeons need in the next decade?
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How can simulation complement traditional operating-room apprenticeship?
2. Technology, Performance and Patient Safety
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How can simulation, robotics and artificial intelligence improve surgical education and patient safety?
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How can new technologies support objective assessment, personalised learning and continuous evaluation of surgical performance?
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How is the role of the clinician–academic evolving in the era of artificial intelligence, and how can clinicians bridge the gap between technological innovation, research, and patient care?
3. Building a Collaborative European Ecosystem
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What are the main barriers to equitable access to advanced surgical training?
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How should universities, hospitals, scientific societies, research institutions and industry collaborate?
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What infrastructure and governance models are needed to support the next generation of surgeons?
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Can Europe develop a shared ecosystem for advanced surgical training while preserving institutional autonomy and scientific independence?
4. From Vision to Action
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What concrete first steps could institutions, scientific societies and international partners take together to translate this shared vision into a collaborative and sustainable model?
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Which initiatives could realistically be developed through international collaboration over the next three to five years?
Final Question to the Panel
“If we were to design the ideal surgical training ecosystem for the next generation, what should its essential features be — and what should be the first concrete action to begin building it?”
The Roundtable is intended to identify shared priorities and stimulate future international collaboration in support of more accessible, innovative and sustainable approaches to advanced surgical training.
“The future of surgical training will not be built by a single institution, technology or profession. It will emerge through collaboration among healthcare systems, academia, scientific societies, research organisations and innovators working toward a common goal: safer surgery and better outcomes for patients.”
Venue & Location
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal
San Marco, Venice, Italy
The International Roundtable will take place at Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, overlooking the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice, within walking distance of St Mark's Square.
Participation
Participation in the International Roundtable is open to healthcare professionals, researchers and institutional representatives with an interest in the future of surgical training and medical education.
Participation Fee: € 350,00
The registration fee includes:
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Admission to all Roundtable sessions
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Conference documentation
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Welcome Tea
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Certificate of Participation
Participation is complimentary for delegates invited to Association Days Europe 2027.
Advance registration is strongly recommended, as places are limited