Surgical Skills

The University of Manitoba Postgraduate Surgical Skills Curriculum consists of a series of specialty- and technique-based courses.  These courses are designed to allow residents to learn and practice basic technical skills in lab-based settings.  They are intended to enhance residents’ technical skill and experience in clinical settings.  Our objectives are consistent with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Surgical Foundations and individual specialties’ objectives.

We provide an introduction to surgical skills to all PGY-1 surgery residents (Cardiac, General, Neuro-, Orthopedic, Otolaryngology, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Urology).  We also provide more advanced surgical skills training courses for PGY-2 and 3 residents in General Surgery and Urology.

Individual courses consist of reading material for self-study, brief didactic sessions, and hands-on training on bench and animal models.  All courses take place in the R.O. Burrell Lab at St. Boniface Research Centre.  The curriculum is part of residents’ postgraduate surgical training and residents are protected from clinical responsibilities for the duration of their assigned courses.  Course preceptors evaluate residents’ performance and these evaluations are included in residents’ ITER’s.  Residents evaluate the courses and these courses are often mentioned among the highlights of residents’ education because they allow real hands-on experiences early in training.

Individual courses, course directors, assigned specialties and levels, and course duration are listed below.

• Course calendar for the current academic year

 

Course	Course Training Level	Course Director	Duration	Program(s)
Introduction to Surgical Skills Course #1	PGY1	Dr V Fraser	2 days	General Surgery Urology
Gut Suture Anastomosis	PGY2	Dr B Yip	½ day	General Surgery Urology
Introduction to Surgical Skills Course #2	PGY1	Dr V Fraser	2 days	Neurosurgery Orthopedics Plastics Otolaryngology
Gut Staple Anastomosis	PGY2	Dr B Yip	½ day	General Surgery Urology
Introduction to MIS	PGY1	Dr C Andrew	2 days	General Surgery Urology
Hernia Skills	PGY2	Dr J Bracken	1 day	General Surgery
Advanced MIS	PGY3	Dr H Taylor (Dr J Bracken)	2 days	General Surgery Urology

Notes:
 Unless otherwise notified, all courses will take place in the RO Burrell Lab – located in the St Boniface Research Centre.

 Participants will be advised, by email, when course material will be available for pick up approximately 4 weeks prior to each course.

 Other courses are being pursued.  Once confirmed, a notice will be sent to the Program Offices announcing course date(s) and other information.

 For more information or questions concerning the Courses, contact the Surgery Education Office (204.787.8823) or drop by GH604 – Health Sciences Centre.