Simulation
Our simulation lab–based training program builds proficiency across a wide range of surgical techniques, beginning in residents’ junior years. Our state-of-the-art simulation lab, newly established in 2023, offers a dedicated space with three classrooms, Standard Patient Rooms, an expansive area with multiple observation beds, a fully equipped simulation Operating Room (OR), as well as ICU and Emergency Room suites. This facility enables residents to gain hands-on experience in a controlled, high-fidelity environment. Our newly purchased FES trainer allows our residents tons of hands-on practice with endoscopy and colonoscopy.
The simulation training program is divided into four key components:
1. Monthly All-Resident Curriculum
The monthly curriculum provides hands-on simulation training in essential skills for general surgery. Key areas of focus include:
- Trauma Simulations: multi-disciplinary team-based training to hone skills assessing and managing complex trauma patients
- Technical development: with labs in basic suturing, laparoscopic, gastrointestinal surgery, vascular surgery
- Robotic Training Pathway: Residents work with surgical models tailored for procedures such as hernia repair, cholecystectomy, and colectomy. The robotic curriculum includes simulation for docking, instrument placement, and exchanging, ensuring residents are prepared for robotic surgeries. All residents have the ability to achieve their DaVinci robotic training equivalency certification upon graduation.
- High-Fidelity Models for Advanced Laparoscopic Training: We partner with Gynesim (https://www.gynesim.com/) to use their cutting-edge models, which are specifically designed for laparoscopic training. These models enhance skills for procedures like advanced suturing and tissue manipulation.
2. Intern Lab
This program is an intensive, foundational training experience for interns, where they have protected afternoons once per month, comprising:
- Boot Camp: At the beginning of the academic year, new interns undergo an immersive boot camp focusing on essential skills like suturing and instrument handling, and simulated patient encounters with clinical scenarios encountered on overnight call.
- Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) Training: This component ensures residents gain certification in laparoscopic basics, an essential milestone in their training.
- Basic Robotic Training: Interns learn the fundamentals of robotic surgery, including docking, bedside instrument placement, and exchanging. This foundational training sets the stage for advanced robotic techniques in later years.
3. Surgical Olympics
The Surgical Olympics is an annual, highly anticipated competition where residents are divided into teams and challenged to showcase their skills in a series of events. The events are grouped into:
- Open Surgery Events: Testing proficiency in traditional open surgical techniques.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Events: Focused on advanced laparoscopic and robotic skills.