The simulation curriculum begins at the very start of CA1 year and continues throughout residency. CA1s begin with an introductory workshop to basic airway techniques prior to the start of clinical orientation, as well as a one-week intensive “Boot Camp” during orientation where they hone communication skills, build independence and learn to address common intraoperative problems. This simulation tour de force celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025.

After mastering basic techniques and crisis management, residents graduate to more advanced scenarios and technical skills practice. They subsequently develop teaching and leadership roles as senior residents.

Many events are repeated annually, giving residents the chance to refine their skills and performance with increasing clinical experience. Additionally, the curriculum includes many rotating scenarios on subspecialty topics where small teams of 3-5 residents with varying levels of training address a crisis.

Each resident has the opportunity for protected didactic time 2 Thursdays per month, including 2 hours of immersive simulation and/or hands-on skills workshops. Below is a sample timeline of the simulation curriculum, as well as descriptions of various events throughout the years.

Timeline

CA1

  • June Preorientation: Introduction to Airway Basics
  • July: CA1 Simulation Boot Camp
  • August: Airway Extravaganza
  • September: Basic Skills Workshop (eg. Central Lines, Epidurals);ACLS in the OR
  • October: Cadaver Lab & Live Regional Ultrasound Models
  • November: Standardized Patient Preop Interview with Feedback
  • March: Multi-Disciplinary Simulation with Surgery Residents
  • June: Preparation for Responding to Codes and Out-of-OR Emergencies
  • Throughout the year: Various topics such as Anaphylaxis, Hemorrhage, Drug Error

CA2

  • August: Airway Extravaganza – Advanced Airway Techniques
  • September: ACLS and Advanced Procedural Skills
  • October: Cadaver Lab and Live Regional Ultrasound Models
  • March: Multi-Disciplinary Simulation
  • Throughout the year: Various topics such as Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Malignant Hyperthermia, Hypoxia in the PACU, Intensive Care Topics ARDS & Sepsis

CA3

  • August: Airway Extravaganza – Instructing Junior Residents
  • September: ACLS, Attending Leadership During an Intraoperative Code
  • October: Cadaver Lab and Live Regional Ultrasound Models
  • November: Giving and Receiving Feedback to Junior Residents for Standardized Preop Patient Interview
  • March: Multi-Disciplinary Simulation
  • June: Simulated ABA OSCE – 7 Station Exam, Authentic timing with debriefing
  • Throughout the year: Various topics such as One Lung Ventilation, Neurosurgical Emergencies, Poly Trauma, Mass Casualties, Airway Fire 

Simulation Boot Camp

This boot camp is designed to teach early CA1s management of commonly encountered intraoperative emergencies. In addition to clinical, airway, and technical skills, this program focuses on clear and timely communication with the perioperative team during emergencies.

The boot camp spans 5 days with each CA1 participating in 2 individual simulations per day. After each simulation, the CA1s engage in a private debriefing session with an attending.

This outstanding event is run by 12 simulation faculty members, 4 OR nurses/scrub techs, and assorted research volunteers, data collectors, and medical students.

Airway Extravaganza

This 6 station workshop is designed to teach advanced airway skills including:

  • Videolaryngoscopy
  • Flexible bronchoscopy basics
  • Fiberoptic adjuncts (LMA/Aintree, AirQ)
  • Topicalization/airway blocks for awake intubations
  • Emergency cricothyrodotomy
  • Considerations for extubation of the difficult airwa

Simulation Topics