How to train war surgery specialists: Part II.

Since 1950 the peacetime practice of civilian and military surgery has been characterized by increasing specialization and subspecialization. The surgical management of war wounds continues to require a solid foundation in general surgery training and experience, plus additional specific training in war surgery. Even the trauma specialist will face significant differences and difficulties treating war wounds in field hospitals. Neither military nor civilian surgical programs provide this training. This two-part essay identifies major characteristics of war surgery and explores the essential training and education required to prepare civilian and military surgeons for the practice of war surgery.