Simulation Lab

Our residents are trained in a number of bedside procedures, from skin biopsies to endotracheal intubation. Residents learn procedures required by the specialty college for graduation. They also have the opportunity to learn procedures that will augment their skills for their desired area of practice. The goal of our procedural curriculum is to improve quality of care and patient safety while facilitating communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. Real-time procedures are performed under direct supervision during applicable rotations as detailed in our curriculum.

Bedside procedure teaching: All residents have training in POCUS and bedside procedures, such as endotracheal intubation, paracentesis, thoracentesis, lumbar puncture, and arterial and central lines, during their intern year. Residents have access to a number of standardized peer-reviewed references to preview the steps involved in a given procedure. They then review the process with the supervising attending and perform the procedure in the Simulation Lab under direct supervision with subsequent verbal and written feedback.

Skills labs and simulators: All incoming residents have a skills lab at orientation to acquaint them with basic techniques of instrumentation, tissue mechanics, suture mechanics, and suture materials. Family Medicine residents have additional faculty-led sessions to cover the broad range of skills detailed in their curricula.

Case-based scenarios: We have dedicated simulation sessions using a manikin for code and acute medical care simulations. These sessions introduce residents to crisis resource management, interprofessional team training, and debriefing, and are designed to develop residents’ critical thinking and leadership skills in cases requiring a rapid clinical response.