Like many of us, I often approach video games with judgment, but I just recently bumped into research by Rosser et al. (2007) which found that playing video games is actually useful for surgeons.

James Rosser investigated how video games affect surgeons — specifically those performing laparoscopic surgery. Do video games improve their attention and skills, or do they have a negative effect?

In the study, surgeons who played video games for more than three hours a week made 37% fewer errors and completed tasks 27% faster than those who didn’t play at all. Gamer surgeons demonstrated 32% fewer mistakes and completed assignments 24% faster compared to their non-gaming colleagues.

In what specific skills were gamer surgeons better?

The study found that surgeons with video game experience had better hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills, which are critical for performing surgical procedures.

Now you probably have a question: “What was the video game?”

It turns out that the study found that shooting games had the greatest effect!

We might just be raising future surgeons. If your kids play video games, encourage them to recognize the importance of the skills they’re developing and connect them to real life.

If your child is interested in medicine or engineering, explain how gaming skills can help them in their future careers.

Rosser, J. C., Lynch, P. J., Cuddihy, L., Gentile, D. A., Klonsky, J., & Merrell, R. (2007). The impact of video games on training surgeons in the 21st century. National Library of Medicine,
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17309970/