Medical Simulation Center
News Release: Spring 2008
Medical Simulation Center Opens Surgical Skills Section
A few weeks ago the first surgery residents were able to start scheduling time in the Medical Simulation Center to work on the new Laparoscopic Trainers. They are able to practice a variety of skills including intracorporeal and extracorporeal knot tying, simple suturing, dissection, and camera navigation. Aside from these specific skills they can also spend time with several “games” that improve the visual and tactile coordination skills required to master laparoscopic procedures.
Additionally specific suture models have been made available to both medical students and residents as requested, including bowel anastomosis and vascular anastomosis. Medical students are now able to use the Simulation Center lab space to practice their required core surgery rotation skills such as IV insertions and Foley catheter placement. “This is just the beginning of the opportunities that will be available to students and residents as the Medical Simulation Center continues to grow.” says Judy Roark, CST the new Coordinator and Skills Coach for the Simulation Center. “Our plan is to be able to fully integrate Phase I of the new American College of Surgeons Surgical Skills Curriculum into the Department of Surgery Residency curriculum by July 1, 2008” (for more information on the ACS Surgical Skills curriculum go to: www.facs.org/education/surgicalskills.html).
SimMan is also available and soon the latest human patient simulator – SimMan 3G will be added to the Simulation Center for all students to practice basic to advanced patient care skills. The Mentice Endovascular simulator is also now available for the senior residents, Vascular Surgery Fellows, and other physicians to refine their techniques in carotid and renal stent placements. The Simulation Center is ready to assist students and residents from all services to utilize medical simulation to enhance their educational experience here at UTGSM.
The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine
Medical Simulation Center
1924 Alcoa Highway
Knoxville , Tennessee 37920 Phone: (865)305-4626
Quick Facts
- As primary benefactor of the 2007 “Evening in Orange,” the University of Tennessee’s Medical Simulation Center opened its door in January 2008.
- The Simulation Center is headed by Dr. Leonard Hines and Dr. Paul Huffstutter, Administrator is Melinda Klar, RN, Coordinator and Skills coach Judy Roark, CST.
- Usage of the Simulation Center has progressed from 4 encounters in January 2008 to 155 encounters in October 2008.
- The Simulation Center has been utilized by 8 different department including residents, students, hospital staff and faculty for instruction as well as skills practice and simulation.
- The Simulation Center has several ongoing projects; the most significant to date involves providing the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery skills course to all surgery and GYN residents and the integration of Phase I of the ACS/APDS Surgical Skills curriculum for residents.