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RACS ASC 2026
Smarter Cuts: How AI is Reshaping Plastic Surgery Training
Poster
Presentation Description

Institution: Redland Hospital - QLD, Australia

Plastic surgery training is beginning to undergo a paradigm shift, driven by the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education. This poster explores the emerging role of AI in future plastic surgery training. From AI-assisted simulation platforms and automated feedback systems to generative models for reconstructive planning, the technology offers novel solutions to long-standing educational challenges. These tools enable learners to practise in risk-free environments, receive objective assessments of their performance, and visualise complex procedures in unprecedented ways. Moreover, adaptive learning systems can personalise training, optimising skill acquisition across varying levels of expertise. This abstract reviews key developments in AI-enhanced surgical education, including recent applications in virtual simulation, image analysis, and augmented feedback. It also considers the ethical implications of delegating elements of training to algorithms, particularly in maintaining human judgment, patient safety, and equitable access to these tools. While AI will not replace hands-on training, it is becoming a powerful adjunct that could enhance the way plastic surgeons are educated. The poster concludes by proposing a roadmap for integrating AI into training programs, advocating for validation studies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and surgeon-led development of these technologies. As plastic surgery continues to embrace innovation in the operating theatre, it must equally embrace intelligent tools outside of the theatre environment, ensuring that the next generation of surgeons are trained not just with scalpel, but also with the software.
Presenters
Authors
Authors

Dr Tyler Ferdinands -