Virtual Training, Anatomy and Instrument, and Equipment Lab

Recent changes in resident work-hour restrictions and revelations about the pervasiveness of medical errors in our healthcare systems challenge our current methods of undergraduate and graduate medical education. Over time, we have used feedback from residents as well as this research data to build a well-balanced clinical learning environment. In addition to clinical time, residents will focus on the importance of simulation, listing of resources that we have to practice for robots (VA and UAB Hospital), laparoscopic skills, simulation wet labs, endoscopic practice, endovascular practice, etc.

UASOM students spend eight weeks on their surgical clerkship, with some students never doing a "general" surgery rotation. Novel methods of educating surgical house staff and students are necessary to ensure competency in both the cognitive and technical aspects of surgical training. Simulated training of laparoscopic skills has been shown to translate into improved technical performance in the operating room. Surgical techniques and procedures continue to advance at a rapid pace. New and innovative methods of teaching are necessary to ensure competency in all areas of medical education. The development of new instruments and equipment requires new skills. Progressive techniques are introduced, taught, and practiced. Corporate consultants and representatives utilize the facility to demonstrate and train using their devices.

Read more about the implementation of surgical simulation in training labs.