USC Roski Eye Institute Hosts International Surgical Skills Course

The USC Roski Eye Institute welcomed surgeons, fellows and residents from around the world June 6-7 for one of the most sought-after oculoplastics training programs in the United States: “The Cutting Edge: The USC Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Surgical Skills Course.”

Now in its seventh iteration since 2015, the course is held every 18 months and has rapidly gained recognition for its unique approach to surgical education. Unlike traditional surgical skills courses that rely on videos or simulation devices, The Cutting Edge provides participants with the opportunity to practice on fresh human tissue, offering an authentic learning environment that better demonstrates the approach to operating on the orbit and face.

“We keep this course truly cutting edge, by incorporating new techniques and the latest technology,” said Sandy Zhang-Nunes, MD, founder and course director of The Cutting Edge and associate professor of clinical ophthalmology and chief of oculofacial plastic services at the USC Roski Eye Institute. This year we added the orbital approach to the optic nerve and brain, new aesthetic treatments to the face, and keep expanding on the full repertoire of an oculofacial plastic surgeon. We bring diverse faculty together for a meeting of the minds and hands.”

The two-day program is designed to maximize both learning outcomes and tissue conservation. Day one begins with blepharoplasty and canthoplasty techniques, filler injections, optic nerve sheath fenestration procedures, then moves on to orbital decompression and orbital plating; while day two concludes with corneal neurotization, endoscopic DCR, aesthetic brow lifting, facial fat transfer, and advanced face-lifting techniques. This step-by-step approach allows attendees to track their skill development throughout the workshop.

“The course is structured for participants at all levels of training,” said Dr. Ava Torjani, a second-year ophthalmology resident who also attended the previous course as an intern. “Having completed an additional year of ophthalmology training, I found the course easier to follow because I now have a better understanding of the terminology and different equipment we use.”

Due to the advanced, hands-on nature of the training, most participants are expected to have fellowship-level experience or higher to fully benefit from the workshop, however Dr. Zhang-Nunes provides space for USC trainees at all levels to participate.  The course audience includes trainees from plastic surgery, ENT head and neck, and oculofacial plastic surgery, both at the training level and even afterwards in practice. This mix of specialties bridges the divide and enhances everyone’s learning.

Dr. Alomi Parikh, adjunct clinical instructor of ophthalmology (voluntary), states “Participating in this course was an incredible opportunity to learn hands-on techniques from a diverse group of expert surgeons and use a variety of new state of the art technologies; I’ve gained deeper surgical knowledge and skills I’ll carry forward into my career.”

For residents in earlier stages of training, the course provides valuable exposure to key surgical techniques. “The more exposure to surgical skills, the better, as I’m entering my second year,” said Dr. Bryana Banashefski, an ophthalmology intern. “Today we practiced a lateral canthotomy, which was my first time performing that procedure on tissue.”

The course also serves specialized training needs for various fellowship programs. “As a neuro-ophthalmology fellow, we perform optic nerve sheath fenestration, so today’s presentation was very informative,” said Dr. Michael Han, a neuro-ophthalmology fellow. “Being able to add this additional tool to my surgical arsenal is extremely valuable. Since I will be entering an ASOPRS fellowship this year, this course has been fantastic preparation for my future career.”

The Cutting Edge continues to attract international attention as medical professionals seek advanced training opportunities in oculofacial plastic surgery techniques. The trainees and faculty are looking forward to learning the latest techniques at the next iteration of the course.