Simulation in Resident Education

Our resident simulation curriculum is a longitudinal, competency-based program spanning PGY-1 through PGY-5. It integrates structured skills training, immersive simulation experiences, and progressive autonomy aligned with clinical responsibilities and certification milestones. Emphasizing deliberate practice, objective assessment, and reflective learning, the program provides continuous access to the simulation lab to support just-in-time rehearsal, remediation, and individualized skill development.

PGY-1: Foundations of Surgical Simulation

Core skills and procedural readiness

PGY-1 residents participate in a year-long, structured simulation curriculum organized into sequential learning modules. Training focuses on foundational technical skills, cognitive scaffolding, and progression from novice toward early independent performance, with guided feedback supporting progressive autonomy.

Core Skills & Orientation
  • Surgical instruments and safe handling
  • Knot tying and suturing fundamentals
  • Basic tissue handling and ergonomics
  • Simulation lab workflow and expectations
  • Bedside & Procedural Skills
  • Central venous catheter placement
  • Ultrasound-guided peripheral IV access
  • Chest tube insertion
  • Procedural checklists and error-prevention strategies
  • Open & Tissue-Based Techniques
  • Open appendectomy using tissue models
  • Incision, exposure, and closure techniques
  • Z-plasty and V-Y plasty techniques
  • Microskills laboratory emphasizing precision and depth perception
  • Laparoscopic & Emerging Technologies
  • Fundamentals of laparoscopy
  • Camera navigation and hand–eye coordination
  • Virtual reality–based procedural simulation
  • PGY-2: Immersive Technical Skills Rotation

    Focused immersion, technical skills, and assessment

    PGY-2 residents complete a dedicated immersive simulation rotation emphasizing validated technical skills curricula, structured coaching, and objective performance assessment.

    Immersive Simulation Rotation
  • Two-week, dedicated simulation experience
  • Emphasis on deliberate practice and repetition
  • Structured coaching with simulation faculty
  • Core Technical Skills
  • Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS)
  • Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES)
  • Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery (FRS)
  • Assessment & Certification
  • Objective performance assessment
  • Benchmarking aligned with certification milestones
  • Individualized feedback and skill refinement
  • PGY-3: Advanced Skills & Teaching Development

    Leadership, instruction, and mentorship

    PGY-3 training emphasizes the transition from learner to educator, with residents developing advanced technical skills alongside instructional and leadership competencies in simulation-based education.

    Advanced Technical Performance
  • Higher-order technical skill refinement
  • Emphasis on efficiency, precision, and decision-making
  • Teaching & Facilitation
  • Teach-the-teacher training in simulation facilitation
  • Feedback delivery and learner assessment
  • Structured instructional skill development
  • Mentorship & Supervision
  • Supervised mentoring of junior residents
  • Assisted facilitation during simulation sessions
  • Reflective practice focused on instructional effectiveness
  • PGY-4 / PGY-5: Advanced & Elective Simulation Training

    Individualized, career-focused skill development

    Senior residents engage in self-directed, needs-based simulation training aligned with individual clinical goals and career interests.

    Individualized Skill Development
  • Self-directed simulation tailored to clinical focus
  • Targeted remediation or advanced skill refinement
  • Advanced Assessment
  • Advanced Assessment of Surgical Skills (A-SSS)
  • Complex scenario-based simulations
  • Objective evaluation in collaboration with Trauma Surgery and Critical Care
  • Independent Access & Mastery
  • 24/7 simulation lab access
  • Open-access model supporting independent practice
  • Mastery-based progression and flexible scheduling