Medical Students

The Center for Advanced Training and Simulation (CATS) Lab provides medical students with a training environment that duplicates laparoscopic setups they will encounter in the operating room. A broad range of laparoscopic exercises are offered here.

The curriculum is constantly evolving to benefit medical students. Our department welcomes student feedback for improving the quality of our skills training programs.

Current offerings include:

• Training sessions in the use of the 30 degree laparoscope
• Surgical knot-tying and suturing training sessions
• All equipment that is provided for residents is also available for use by medical students (M1-M4)

Residents

The CATS lab provides surgery residents with a training environment that duplicates laparoscopic set ups they will encounter in the operating rooms. A broad range of laparoscopic skills exercises are offered here. We also provide didactic materials associated with the curriculum to our residents at their initial orientation session. All materials are supplied either online using Canvas, or in the Lab.

The first component of the junior resident curriculum (PGY-1 and PGY-2) is completion of basic laparoscopic skills exercises that have been chosen by the Director of the Center for Advanced Training and Simulation. These sessions are held on a walk-in basis in the training laboratory to be compliant with each resident's schedule. Lab hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday.

The final component of the junior resident curriculum includes study and comprehension of the more common MIS procedures. Instruction and lecture are provided by narrated teaching cases (NTCs) via Canvas and supplied readings.

We plan for the curriculum to constantly evolve so we encourage you to submit comments or suggestions you believe would improve the quality of our program.

Resources in the CATS Lab

• Skill stations comprised of a trainer box, laparoscope support arm, 30 degree 10 mm laparoscope, fiber-optic light source, high-resolution flat-panel monitor
• Rapid setup modules for all basic skills set
• Open suturing and knot tying models for skin, vascular anastamosis, and fascia
• Online basic surgical skills training
• Da Vinci surgical system for practicing basic skills for robotic assist surgeries
• Multiple copies of skills models to support each required laparoscopic exercise
• A full array of laparoscopic instruments including Maryland dissectors, laparoscopic scissors, graspers, clip appliers, staplers, and needle drivers
• Large viewing areas for watching procedures
• Video editing systems featuring Adobe Premiere software and the entire Adobe Creative Suite
• Sound dubbing and narration equipment
• 3D modeling software including, Autodesk Fusion 360, Slicer, Meshmixer, Cura, etc.
• Ultimaker 2+ extended 3D printer, Makerbot Replicator 2X 3D printer, printing with ABS plastic
• Room 113, 24/7 skills training room

MIS Curriculum