Smarter Surgery Training: Tools Every Resident Should Know in 2025

How the new generation of surgical residents are training smarter, not harder.

Surgical education is evolving fast.

Long gone are the days when the only way to learn was by watching, assisting, and eventually doing. Now, with the rise of virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and personalized learning tools, surgical residents can accelerate their training, improve retention, and gain confidence before ever stepping into the OR.

Here are 5 Tools Every Resident Should Know:

1. Osso VR

Osso VR is a leading surgical training platform that uses immersive virtual reality to simulate real procedures. It covers a wide range of specialties, and each module includes step-by-step instructions, performance feedback, and realistic instruments.

Why it matters:

• Learn hands-on, without needing an OR.

• Practice specific procedures as many times as you need.

• Get objective metrics on your performance.

  
  

2. Touch Surgery (by Medtronic)

This mobile-friendly app provides interactive surgical walkthroughs with 3D visuals and step-by-step guidance. It’s perfect for pre-op review or first-time exposure to new procedures.

Best features:

• Offline access for on-the-go learning.

• Procedures explained in a clean, structured way.

• Useful for both junior residents and medical students.

  
  

3. FundamentalVR

Taking it a step further, FundamentalVR combines VR with haptic feedback—so you not only see the procedure, but feel it too. It’s designed for high-stakes, high-skill specialties like orthopedic, spine, and ophthalmic surgery.

Standout points:

• Multi-user training (team practice)

• Data-driven performance tracking

• Partnerships with medical device companies

  
  

4. GPT as Your Personal Tutor

With tools like ChatGPT, you can create your own AI-powered tutor. Whether you need to review surgical anatomy, simulate an oral exam, or get a quick explanation of a complication, your AI assistant is ready 24/7.

5. Custom Learning Dashboards with Notion + AI

Platforms like Notion let you design personalized study plans, case log trackers, and spaced repetition flashcards. Add AI integrations (like Notion AI or Zapier + ChatGPT) to generate summaries, mnemonics, or quizzes on the fly.

Why it works:

• You learn in your own style, at your own pace.

• Review what you’re weak at.

• Plan your day, week, and rotation in one place.

  
  

The future of surgical learning is flexible, smart, and personal.