Deliberate practice in medical education: Concept and application

It is an age-old adage that “Practice makes a man perfect”. This rudiment emphasizes the idea that there is no substitute whatsoever for hard-work in terms of both consistent practice and perseverance, so as to achieve the intended outcomes. Knowledge alone does not and cannot suffice; one needs to indulge in repeated practice so as to reap the fruits of existent knowledge through action. Strategic practice, disciplined training and customized efforts help individuals achieve their goals. In view of this, researchers across the globe stress on a crucial and effective strategy to attain one's peak performances, that is, “Deliberate Practice”. Though, this concept has gained wide popularity and acceptance in non-medical domains, it remains ambiguous, how precisely the principles of deliberate practice can contribute in advancing an individual from novice to expert during and beyond medical training. The current review explores and unleashes the concepts, elements, role and application of deliberate practice in the field of medical education.