Surgical Simulation Curriculum

Lap 1
Lap 1 training

The goal of the surgical simulation curriculum is to maximize learning opportunities through ever-evolving simulations, based on what residents and faculty feel would benefit them most.

Surgical Simulation Curriculum

  • Bootcamp – pre-internship course for matriculating PGY1 surgery residents
  • Open 1 – basic knot tying and suturing
  • Open 2 – advanced suturing and interactive OR tasks
  • Lap 1 – basic laparoscopic skills training to prepare for FLS
  • FLS – The Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery
  • Central line Simulation – multi-departmental IJ central line insertion with ultrasound
  • Lap Common Bile Duct Simulation – hands on experience with current ductoscopy models
  • Breast Simulation – hands on practice with ultrasound for abscess aspirations and biopsies
  • Vascular Anastomosis Simulation – practice with PTFE and 5-O proline for end to side vascular anastomoses
  • Hand Sewn Bowel Anastomosis Simulation – bovine hand sewn bowel experience with expert faculty
  • Flex Endo – practice with multiple industry models for the Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery exam
  • FES – Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery
  • Robotic Bedside Assist – learn to work the robot at bedside
  • Robotic Simulation Drills – become familiar with sitting at the consul
  • Robotic Tissue Drills – master inguinal hernias, GJ anastomosis and hepaticojejunostomy
  • Mock orals – practice oral exams for PGY1-5
  • Trauma Essentials – chest tubes, central lines, cricothyroidotomy, and ED thoracotomy
  • ASSET – trauma maneuvers on cadavers
  • Surgery Olympics – friendly group competition of the skills you learned in the previous year.

Central Line Training

Central line placement training

Bootcamp Curriculum – Pre-Internship Course for Matriculating PGY1 Surgery Residents

  • Open 1 – basic knot tying and suturing
  • Lap 1 – basic laparoscopic skills training to prepare for FLS
  • Team Building Olympics – fun ‘get to know you’ team building tasks
  • Hospital Selfie Scavenger Hunt – self orientation to different locations around Parkland Hospital
  • Handoffs Simulation – basics and practice for proficient patient sign out process
  • My First Consult – high fidelity patient interaction with ‘Sim man’ for ER encounters with peer and faculty feedback
  • Robot Bedside Assist – introduction to our robust robotic curriculum with virtual reality and bedside orientation and instruction
  • Abscess Incision and Drainage
  • When to Call Your Senior – how and when to “Bump it Up”
  • Common Overnight Calls – and how to deal with them
  • Introduction to Ultrasound – just the basics
  • Day to Day Troubleshooting – central lines, a-lines, nasogastric tubes, wound VAC.
  • Airway management – basics of intubation and airway management
  • Lecture series:
    • Instruments and Sutures – what they are and when to use them
    • ABSITE- guidance on preparation
    • How to be a Good Intern – insights from successful PGY2 residents
    • How to Write a Note and Why It Matters
    • How to Log Cases and Why It Matters
    • Your Biyearly Evaluations- explanation of the criteria used to evaluate residents
    • Professionalism Vignettes – discussion of different ethical situations
    • Roundsmanship – the art of looking better than you are
    • Wellness Orientation – education of wellness, burnout, insights and resources at UT Southwestern
Team Building Olympics
Team Building Olympics

We are committed to providing as much in-person simulation time as we can.  We will follow all UTSW gathering guidelines, masking guidelines, and social distancing guidelines.