The goal of postgraduate training is to assimilate as much clinical knowledge and expertise as possible in order to be maximally functional once the mythical day of July 1 comes around, when suddenly residents/fellows are autonomous, newly minted anesthesiology attendings. But what if some aspects of our training were superfluous, obsolete, no longer useful? Is this possible, and if so, how should we react to that unnerving fact?
“Deskilling” has been defined (Webster's online dictionary) as “something making the skills of a worker obsolete.” Consider auto mechanics proficient in carburetor repair/maintenance who currently find these talents in minimal demand due to the advent of the fuel injector. Regional anesthesiology provides an illustrative medical example of certain technique(s), previously widespread and seen as essential, that have been placed in danger of extinction by technological advances. Specifically, in an effort to optimize local anesthetic distribution and block efficacy, indirect (“blind”) techniques for...