E-Learning Trends and How to Apply Them to Thoracic Surgery Education.

Education in all fields is vastly different today than it was 20 years ago. Constraints on time, access to clinical material and the speed of change mandate new more efficient approaches to education. Today, the Internet is a powerful tool that students and educators use to supplement or replace traditional learning. This technique, referred to as E-learning, can deliver a broad array of solutions that enhance knowledge and performance. We review some of the current applications of E-learning in cardiothoracic surgery and suggest some future applications that may further enhance the efficiency of cardiothoracic surgical education.