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Emergency Undocking in Robotic Surgery: A Simulation Curriculum
Published on: May 20, 2018
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Development of a Senior Medical Student Robotic Surgery Training Elective.
Cody Lendon Mullens1, Alexandra L Van Horn1, James Wallis Marsh2
1West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development
|July 15, 2021
Summary
A new elective robotic surgery curriculum for senior medical students improves early exposure to robotic platforms. This program aims to reduce the learning curve for robotic surgery, preparing students for residency training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Robotic surgery adoption necessitates early training for medical students.
- A gap exists in formal robotic surgery education for pre-residency trainees.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a formal elective robotic surgery curriculum for senior medical students.
- To enhance student familiarity and proficiency with robotic surgical systems prior to residency.
Main Methods:
- A 2-week curriculum included online modules, simulator training (console, camera, energy, dexterity, suturing), didactics, and dual-console sessions.
- Students practiced skills on biotissue and performed bedside-assisting in the operating room.
- Training involved expert-led simulation and real-world surgical case observation.
Main Results:
- Students gained meaningful observational experience, understanding robotic approaches and instrument use.
- The curriculum provided foundational skills and orientation to robotic surgical technology.
- Early exposure facilitated a better grasp of complex robotic procedures.
Conclusions:
- A structured curriculum effectively orients medical students to robotic surgery.
- This program can potentially decrease the learning curve for surgical residency.
- Further assessment will evaluate the curriculum's impact on residency readiness.
