J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 120(5): 520-525, 2019

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Feature topic

LEARNING FROM OFF-THE-JOB TRAINING FOR AIRLINE PILOTS

It is difficult to confirm whether Off-the-job training (Off-JT) for surgeons is well established in Japan. Surgeons and airline pilots are in similar circumstances, because they need long-term training to become full-fledged professionals. The purpose of this article is to describe how surgeons could learn from the training given airline pilots. Candidate pilots must face severe competition, and only 1 in 100 to 1 in 300 are successful in the hiring process. After receiving about two years of Off-JT, they move on to On-the-job training (On-JT). Those who pass this phase can become co-pilots. After about 10 years of further training, they can become captains. During that time, their performance is reviewed by instructor pilots or examiner pilots. In the process, Off-JT and On-JT are both incorporated, with training in technical skills and nontechnical skills. Notably, this program is legally recognized. Ideally, the training program for surgeons should be managed by the government. We should first study the methods and principles of training for airline pilots and then adapt Off-JT to daily On-JT for surgeons.

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