Simulation Curriculum

From Left: Stacey Richards, Sierra Seaman, MD, and Richard Berkowitz, MD

Simulation is an increasingly important educational tool in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Our program includes twice quarterly residency-wide simulations at the state-of-the-art Mary & Michael Jaharis Simulation Center (SIM Center) in the Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center. Residents have access to world-class education simulators including the Gaumard Victoria Childbirth Simulator®, the Simbionix Pelvic MentorTM for pelvic anatomy/pathology and HYST Mentor TM simulator for advanced hysteroscopy, da Vinci robotic skills simulators, FLS box trainers, a fully functional operating room and cadaver lab with laparoscopy capabilities.

Examples of simulations our residents, fellows, faculty, and staff can particapte in include:

  • Operative vaginal delivery
  • Breech extraction
  • Postpartum hemorrhage  
  • Shoulder dystocia
  • Perineal laceration repair
  • Hypertensive emergencies and eclampsia
  • Stat cesarean
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Pelvic anatomy and exam
  • Hysteroscopy assembly and virtual reality simulator
  • Laparoscopic skills: box trainers
  • Laparoscopic skills: cadaver lab

In addition to skills sessions, such as those listed above, residents also participate in several intra-professional simulations each year to develop leadership and communication skills within a health care team, as well as simulated patient encounters to master challenging skills such as delivering bad news.

Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) Training and Certification

From Left: Arnold Advincula, MD and Anne Holland, MD

In addition to formal simulations/skills sessions, residents can attend weekly laparoscopic skills sessions lead by the Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellows to practice and prepare for the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery exam. Residents also have access to a laparoscopic simulation lab for independent practice on the box trainers. Residents aim to take their FLS certification exam during PGY year -1 or -2.

Robotics Training Curriculum

We offer a formalized curriculum to prepare residents to both assist in and perform robotic surgery. This curriculum is designed to add to a resident’s skill set each year and includes online didactic modules, a small group “dry lab,” a dedicated simulation curriculum on robotic trainers, and intraoperative assessments. Residents have dedicated time during surgical rotations to work on multiple simulators including the Mimic advanced skill simulator with simulation modules designed by Arnold Advincula, MD, Medical Director of the SIM Center, and the da Vinci Skills Simulator to practice their skills in a safe and structured environment.

Sloane Olympics

Ob/Gyn residents working with simulation equipment

The Sloane Olympics are a residency-wide, end-of-year OSAT/OSCE to assess performance during which residents rotate through individual stations that are led by faculty members. The stations cover a range of topics in obstetrics and gynecology, incorporate the use of high and low fidelity simulators and standardized patients, and are aligned with the PGY-specific educational objectives for all rotations.