Surgical Simulation Lab

About our Simulation Lab

One unique aspect of our training program is our belief that skills simulation will enhance resident training and allow faster integration of junior residents into the more complex parts of surgical procedures. Right from the start of the year, the R1’s have 1-2 weekly 1.5 hours sessions in the skills lab.

This state-of-the-art lab is equipped with suture skills stations to enhance suturing skills and knot tying in a variety of clinical scenarios. R1’s become facile with two-handed knots, single handed knots, and instrument tying (at the skin level and in the depth of wounds). Sawbones drilling stations teach appropriate hand stabilization for drilling and sawing. Residents learn to control drill depth to prevent plunging and to control power saws with either hand. Early introduction to AO basic fracture reduction tools are part of the curriculum. An early introduction to arthroplasty instrumentation is part of the curriculum as well as an early introduction into the use of robotic assisted surgical technologies.

As arthroscopic training is a key pillar of skills acquisition, the lab has two state of the art Virtamed arthroscopy simulators. The training program associated with these simulators teaches basic arthroscopic skills and builds on these basic skills to teach more advanced simulator skills. The lab also has two dry arthroscopy stations to teach suture anchor placement and arthroscopic knot tying skills.

It is our firm belief that the program’s commitment to this skills lab program will yield even more skilled surgical residents and enhance a junior resident’s operative experience.