Welcome to the UAB Advanced Surgical Physician Assistant Workshop!
There is great demand in our health care system for highly skilled surgical PAs. The mission of the program is to provide qualified individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in both their clinical rotations and prepare them for a career in surgery.
*Please Note: The application window opens on September 15th of every year and closes the 3rd Sunday in October.*
About the ASPAW
The program is made possible by an educational grant funded by the UAB Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences Department. This highly selective program is delivered free of charge to all participants.
- Who is eligible? The ASPAW is open to PA students in either the didactic or clinical phase of training.
- When is it? The workshop is offered annually during the 3rd week of December.
- Where is it? The ASPAW will be held at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Alabama.
- What costs are covered? All supplies, equipment, training materials, housing and meals are provided to participants at no cost.
- What costs are not covered? Travel to the event and personal expenses are not covered by the ASPAW.
Testimonials
Overview of the UAB ASPAW
Advice from ASPAW Alumni
Alumni Discuss Their New Confidence
Who is Program Director Dina DeMarco?
Alumni Talk About Skills Learned
Alumni Describe their ASPAW Experience
UAB ASPAW Brochure Video
About the Training
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Lectures
Covers aseptic technique, principals of surgical assisting, tissue handling, documentation, wound closure techniques, surgical instrumentation/equipment, principals of laparoscopy, ultrasound basics, local anesthetics and performing minor surgeries -
Classroom Lab
Includes hands-on instruction in surgical knot tying and suturing, performing minor surgeries under local anesthetic, vessel ligations, utilization of negative pressure wound therapy, and inserting central lines under ultrasound guidance. -
Live Animal Lab
Dedicated operating room experience as a 1st surgical assistant during open and laparoscopic procedures on live, anesthetized pigs, insertion of chest tubes and surgical drains, insertion of trocars and closure of lap port sites, laparoscopic trainers and dexterity challenges.
About the UAB Physician Assistant Studies Program
Founded in 1967, the UAB PA program is the second oldest Physician Assistant Studies program in the country and one of very few programs with a focused surgical curriculum. The UAB PA program is located in the School of Health Professions (SHP), in the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (CDS) and is an integral part of the UAB medical and academic community.
Because of all this, we are able to offer attendees direct, hands-on access to state-of-the art learning.
Questions? Email Dina DeMarco, MSPAS, PA-C