Why video games help future surgeons develop key skills for the operating room

Video games and medicine: a scientific paradox or a new reality? Recent studies claim that an interest in computer games can turn young doctors into more precise and faster surgeons. This connection seems unexpected, but the results of recent research are prompting the medical community to reconsider its attitude toward gaming. Could an important part of future surgical training be hidden behind the monitor screen, and why is modern science increasingly answering this question in the affirmative?

Scientific facts: gamer surgeons outperform their colleagues

What findings allow us to talk about the influence of video games on surgical skills? A study by Beth Israel Medical Center (published in 2007, covering 33 surgeons) revealed that doctors who regularly play video games for at least three hours a week demonstrate impressive results in surgery.

·   The speed of performing surgical tasks increased by 27%

·   The number of errors decreased by 37%

·   Based on skill test results, such doctors outperformed their colleagues by 42%

The reliability of these results is confirmed by independent experts and neuropsychology specialists. For example, neuropsychologist and psychotherapist Jasdeep Madjo Jethani emphasizes: “Gamers have faster reactions and better hand-eye coordination. These qualities are directly related to success in the operating room.”

How video games can train fine motor skills and coordination

Why do video games in particular contribute to the development of fine motor skills and precise movements? Gameplay requires the gamer to synchronize vision and hand movements, react quickly, and manage small objects on the screen. This effect is especially pronounced in:

·   Platformers, where precision and speed of character movement are important

·   First-person shooters, which require lightning-fast reactions and flawless aiming

·   Puzzle games, which force careful timing of movements

Even in arcade games, all these skills can be trained. Although arcades vary, it is important to choose those that offer active gameplay. Despite the fact that, according to information on to the link plinkoapps.org, Plinko applications are very popular, this game is hardly suitable for these purposes. After all, you only need to watch where the ball will fall. But if you had to control this ball during its fall, then the game would be quite useful for such training.

“Video games develop exactly those fine motor skills that are later needed to perform the most complex operations,” notes Jethani. These abilities are especially important in laparoscopic surgeries, where the surgeon works with instruments through small incisions, without directly viewing the internal organs. Maintaining precision in such conditions is extremely difficult, and it is precisely gaming practice that becomes an unexpectedly useful school.

Psychological resilience and reaction speed

If movement precision is important in the operating room, psychological resilience is no less significant. Operations often take place in a stressful atmosphere, require instant decision-making, and confident responses to unexpected circumstances. Here, video games once again prove to be an excellent training tool.

Games like Call of Duty or Fortnite constantly keep the participant on edge, forcing them to quickly analyze the situation and act without delay. “Games teach you to keep your cool under pressure, which is critical for a surgeon,” emphasizes Jethani.

The most useful games for developing stress resistance are considered to be:

·   Dynamic action games with competitive elements

·   Simulators that reproduce time-limited conditions

·   Cooperative games where the mistakes of one can affect the success of the team

What other skills do future surgeons acquire by playing video games?

Simulators and virtual reality

The history of using simulators in medicine began at the end of the 20th century with the appearance of the first computer trainers for doctors. Today, high-tech VR platforms and simulators are as close as possible to real operations, and their controls resemble complex video games.

Universities and hospitals around the world are introducing simulators as a mandatory element of training. “Working on a simulator requires the same concentration and coordination as gameplay,” note clinical discipline instructors. “It is a safe way to practice manipulations without risk to the patient.” Thanks to these trainers, future surgeons can perfect their skills as many times as necessary, just like in the best gaming scenarios.

Critical thinking and strategic planning

Complex operations require not only dexterous hands, but also the ability to think quickly, plan, and adapt to changing circumstances. Logical and strategic video games become an environment for developing these competencies:

·   Analyzing the situation and making decisions in limited time

·   Building step-by-step plans and adapting to unexpected “surprises” in the game world

·   Finding unconventional solutions when difficulties arise

Games like The Legend of Zelda and Portal require the player to be quick-witted, have a good memory, and flexible thinking. These qualities are especially important for surgeons, who often have to change tactics right during an operation.

Gamification and innovation in medicine

Modern educational technologies actively use game elements to train doctors. Gamified digital platforms, VR experiences, simulators with artificial intelligence elements are becoming drivers of change in medical education.

According to experts, the role of such tools will only grow in the coming years. Already today, there are startups and government initiatives developing game-based trainers for training surgeons. This makes training more engaging, effective, and closer to the realities of the modern operating room.

Are video games taken seriously?

For a long time, video games were considered a waste of time in society. However, research results and the successes of gamer-surgeons are changing this point of view. “For the new generation of doctors, video games are becoming not only entertainment, but also an important step in professional development,” note representatives of medical associations.

The parents of future doctors are increasingly seeing an interest in games as an additional advantage, not an obstacle. At the same time, the scientific community continues to debate the limitations of this approach: not all games are equally useful, and excessive screen time can affect health.

Open questions and challenges for the future

The emergence of new opportunities for training surgeons is prompting the scientific community to further explore the connection between gaming and medical skills. It is quite possible that in the future, doctors will be required to undergo gaming training alongside classic simulators.

Can virtual gaming become a mandatory part of the curriculum for future surgeons? The answer to this question has yet to be found. One thing is clear: gaming experience today is ceasing to be mere entertainment and is increasingly becoming a serious tool for professional growth.