The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into surgical education is redefining the development of surgical skills and knowledge. This study explores AI's alignment with key educational theories—behaviourism, cognitivism, constructivism, humanism, and connectivism—to foster personalised, immersive, and adaptive learning environments. A literature review highlights AI's role in delivering structured feedback, enhancing cognitive processes, enabling experiential learning, supporting personal growth, and fostering collaboration via networked platforms. These advancements demonstrate AI's potential to revolutionise surgical training by improving learning outcomes, accessibility, and critical thinking. However, the integration of AI also presents ethical challenges, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and equitable access. Moreover, over-reliance on AI risks diminishing hands-on experience, and the superficial use of AI (“AI theatre”) underscores the need for meaningful, thoughtful applications. By addressing these challenges, AI can create learner-centred environments that prepare surgeons for the complexities of modern healthcare. Collaborative efforts among educators, technologists, and healthcare professionals are essential to ensure balanced, ethical implementation. AI's transformative power lies in its ability to amplify human creativity, adaptability, and compassion, enabling the development of competent and empathetic surgeons capable of navigating an evolving medical landscape. This paper underscores the importance of aligning AI with foundational learning theories to achieve a balanced and inclusive approach in surgical education, fostering both technical competence and humanistic values.