Core curriculum of shoulder and elbow surgery: the proposal from the European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow

Abstract

Background: Subspecialization in orthopedic surgery has become the standard approach due to the expanding body of medical knowledge. Shoulder and elbow surgery is a growing subspecialty, but it still faces challenges with undefined training standards, unclear competency levels, and a lack of delineated professional responsibilities. To address this, the European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow-societe european chirurgie epaule et coude (ESSSE-SECEC) aims to create a core curriculum (CC) to standardize knowledge and skills within this field. Methods: The ESSSE-SECEC Qualification Committee developed a CC through a task force established in 2022. The curriculum is divided into 2 major sections, shoulder and elbow, further categorized into 5 areas: Basic Science, Diagnosis, Pathology, Nonoperative Treatment, and Surgical Treatment. The content was developed, reviewed, and approved by leading experts within the Society. Results: The CC contains 72 headings and 259 specific subjects, encompassing key areas of knowledge, practical skills, and behavioral attitudes necessary for competence in shoulder and elbow surgery, offering a detailed framework for the subspecialty. Conclusion: The ESSSE-SECEC CC establishes a foundational standard for shoulder and elbow surgeons. It provides a clear framework for knowledge and competency, supporting the future development of training and assessment tools within the subspecialty. Additionally, it aims to solidify the subspecialty's identity and serve as a key tool for competency assessments within ESSSE-SECEC and beyond.