The evolving identity, capacity, and capability of the future surgeon

Technology has transformed surgery more within the last 30 years than the previous 2000 years of human history combined. These innovations have changed not only how the surgeon practices but have also altered the very essence of what it is to be a surgeon in the modern era. Beyond the industrial revolution, today's information revolution allows patients access to an abundance of easily accessible, unfiltered information which they can use to evaluate their surgical treatment, and truly participate in their personal care. We are entering yet another revolution specifically affecting surgeons, where the traditional surgical tools of our craft are becoming "smart." Intelligence in surgical tools and connectivity based on sensory data, processing, and analysis are enabling and enhancing a surgeon's capacity and capability. Given the tempo of change, within one generation the traditional role and identity of a surgeon will be fully transformed. In this article, the impact of the information revolution, technological advances combined with smart connectivity on the changing role of surgery will be considered.