Journal Review in Surgical Education: What We Can Learn From America’s Literacy Crisis

In this episode, hosts Drs. Maya Hunt, Nicole Santucci, Bryanna Stukes and Zoe Zhou explore the parallels between the literacy crisis in America and current challenges in surgical education, drawing insights from the podcast "Sold a Story." They discuss how both systems advance learners without true competency, blame struggling students rather than examining flawed teaching methods, and look to the promise of competency-based education as a path forward. Beyond surgical training, they examine how declining literacy rates will directly impact how we communicate with and care for our future patients.Episode Hosts:–Dr. Maya Hunt, Indiana [email protected]. Nicole Santucci, Washington University in St. [email protected]. Bryanna Stukes, UT [email protected]. Nanruoyi (Zoe) Zhou, Weill Cornell [email protected]–CoSEF: @surgedfellows, cosef.org References:1.        Sold A Story: How teaching kids to read went so wrong | podcast. Accessed February 22, 2026. https://features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/.2.        2024-2025 Literacy Statistics. National Literacy Institute. Accessed February 22, 2026. https://www.thenationalliteracyinstitute.com/2024-2025-literacy-statistics.3.        Purdy AC, Smith BR, Amersi F, et al. Characteristics Associated With Outstanding General Surgery Residency Graduate Performance, as Rated by Surgical Educators. JAMA Surg. 2022;157(10):918-924. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2022.3340 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35947371/4.        Santosa KB, Lussiez A, Bellomo TR, et al. Identifying Strategies for Struggling Surgery Residents. J Surg Res. 2022;273:147-154. doi:10.1016/j.jss.2021.12.026 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35085942/5.        Mattar SG, Alseidi AA, Jones DB, et al. General surgery residency inadequately prepares trainees for fellowship: results of a survey of fellowship program directors. Ann Surg. 2013;258(3):440-449. doi:10.1097/SLA.0b013e3182a191ca https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24022436/6.        George BC, Bohnen JD, Williams RG, et al. Readiness of US General Surgery Residents for Independent Practice. Ann Surg. 2017;266(4):582-594. doi:10.1097/SLA.0000000000002414 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28742711/7.        Brasel KJ, Lindeman B, Jones A, et al. Implementation of Entrustable Professional Activities in General Surgery: Results of a National Pilot Study. Ann Surg. 2023;278(4):578-586. doi:10.1097/SLA.0000000000005991 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37436883/Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.  If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listenBehind the Knife Premium: https://behindtheknife.org/premiumOral Board Review: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-boardOral Board Simulator: https://behindtheknife.org/oral-board/simulatorGeneral Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-reviewTrauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlasDominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkshipDominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotationVascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-reviewColorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-reviewSurgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-reviewCardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-reviewDownload our App:Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US