TEXT 2

Most thoughtful individuals would agree that there is a divergence between chronological age and objective levels of intellectual and technical surgical performance. As one considers the proper parameters of competence and who should measure them, it should be emphasized that the definition of professionalism is that the patient’s well-being must remain paramount to that of the surgeon. As with most biological functions, there is a bell-shaped curve of competence that embraces the physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychomotor skills and the ocular realms. Fortunately, objective methods to measure these functions within the medical field are widely available.(01)

The physical parameters of strength, coordination and vision peak (02) during the third decade of surgical practice and then diminish at a variable rate. As the human visual system ages, the lens and cornea begin to opacify and increased light is needed for proper visualization.

(The Orthopaedic Forum. In: The Journal on Bone and Joint Surgery - JBJS. Vol.92, Nr. 8. July 21,2010.)

According to the last sentence in the first paragraph (01), methods to keep track of surgeons’ abilities/skills