Cultural and Organizational Resistance to Surgical Education Reform: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Objective

A global transformation in surgical education is occurring toward competency-based frameworks, structured feedback systems, and faculty development initiatives. However, in hierarchical and culturally conservative environments, reforms often meet subtle yet persistent resistance. This review explored how cultural norms, institutional misalignment, and professional risks contribute to the failure or superficial adoption of educational reforms, with particular attention to Japan as a representative example of culturally conservative systems.

Design and setting

A narrative review was conducted. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched and appropriate literature published between 2000 and 2024 was identified. Keywords included “surgical education,” “competency-based medical education,” “evaluation systems,” “feedback resistance,” “organizational culture,” and “faculty development.” Studies were selected based on relevance to educational reform, resistance dynamics, and educator experiences. Five thematic categories were synthesized, including global trends, sources of resistance, cultural challenges, impacts on educators, and adaptive strategies.

Results

We identified layered barriers to reform, including institutional inertia, cultural aversion to feedback, and lack of faculty development infrastructure. In Japan and similar contexts, reforms often failed to gain traction due to social norms that discouraged critique and hierarchical constraints that silenced early-career educators. These conditions led to emotional burdens, burnout, and disengagement. However, examples of adaptive strategies, such as peer-led feedback framed as team development, or simulation-based training aligned with institutional goals, offered pathways for sustainable change.

Conclusions

Educational reform in surgical training must address not only structural implementation but also cultural adaptation. Without psychological safety, institutional endorsement, and context-sensitive design, reforms risk remaining symbolic or being abandoned. This review underscores the need for future research and creation of policy that centers the lived experience of educators and promotes reform ecosystems that are both evidence-based and culturally competent.