The Creativity Crisis in Surgery .

This OE Insight argues that creativity is an undervalued but essential skill in surgery. From problem-solving in the OR to driving innovation through R&D, creative thinking is foundational to surgical excellence. The authors call for embedding creativity into medical education, adopting frameworks like IDEAL for ethical innovation, and embracing technologies like AI. To prepare surgeons for a rapidly evolving field, we must foster a culture where imagination, curiosity, and originality are cultivated alongside technical skill.