From Tradition to Wellness: A Systematic Review of Changing the Surgical Training Culture in Canada.

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical training, historically characterized by long hours, hierarchical culture, and critical feedback, has been associated with burnout and mental health challenges. Reforms, including duty-hour limits, competency-based education, and initiatives promoting wellness, equity, and psychological safety, have begun reshaping training in Canada. This review provides a national overview of these cultural shifts, mapping recommendations for best practices and research.

Design: A systematic review identified studies on Canadian surgical residency culture. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data, with risk of bias (ROB) assessed.

Results: Twenty-one studies were included. Key themes were wellness and mental health (19 studies), feedback and learning environments (20), evolving surgical culture (17), equity, diversity, and inclusion (12), duty-hour reforms (14), and international transferability (8). ROB was low in 44.00%, medium in 36.00%, and high in 20.00% of studies.

Discussion: This review of 25 studies highlights evolving themes in Canadian surgical training culture. Traditional endurance-based models are shifting toward inclusivity, wellness, and equity, with increasing attention to mental health, mentorship, and structured feedback. Duty-hour reforms, parental leave policies, and competency-based initiatives indicate generational and structural changes, though implementation varies across programs. Studies emphasize culturally responsive mentorship, psychological safety, and systemic supports to improve learning environments. While Canadian experiences provide valuable insights, differences in legal, institutional, and cultural contexts limit direct transferability internationally. Recommendations include implementing fatigue management plans, mentorship, simulation-based learning, and national coordination to foster a sustainable, learner-centered surgical culture.

Conclusion: Canadian surgical training is evolving through duty-hour reforms, wellness initiatives, and equity-focused policies. While progress has been made, challenges remain in mentorship and cross-provincial consistency.