Time to Teach: Threading the Education Needle in the High-Stakes Cardiac Surgery Operating Room

Abstract

Time and efficiency are critical in cardiac surgery, presenting unique challenges for operative teaching. We explore how integrating psychological safety and operative entrustment can enhance surgical education without compromising patient care. Using the OpTrust framework, we illustrate how faculty and trainees can build trust, promote autonomy, and optimize learning. In high-stakes surgical environments, deliberate educational strategies can support excellence in training and excellence in the future cardiac surgery workforce.