Mindfulness Skills: Impact on Surgical Well-being and Performance.

Abstract

Cognitive training is essential for optimal performance in high-stakes fields like surgery. Research shows that mindfulness-based interventions can help surgeons achieve cognitive clarity, emotional regulation, and technical excellence, benefiting patients, teams, and health care systems. For these interventions to be effective, they must be culturally accepted, integrated at multiple levels, and tailored to specific specialties. Despite challenges, context-sensitive strategies and consistent daily practice can make mindfulness a core asset rather than just a wellness tool. Adopting mindfulness can help surgery reduce burnout, build resilience, improve performance, and strengthen the human connection central to surgical care.