Didactic and Simulation Learning
Tuesday mornings each week are the primary dedicated education time for our residents. Departmental Grand Rounds is scheduled 7:15-8:15 am, followed by resident core didactics 8:30- 10:30 am. Residents are excused from all clinical duties from 7:15-10:30 am so that they are able to attend without interruptions. Core topics in Ob/Gyn based on the CREOG learning objectives are covered on a two-year cycle, integrated with simulation sessions on shoulder dystocia, operative vaginal delivery, vaginal hysterectomy, cystotomy repair, and complex vaginal laceration repair among others. Faculty-led sessions targeting CREOG exam prep are scheduled for November-December. Other topics scheduled during the past year include training in implicit bias, bystander and microaggression training, transgender medicine, code status, and patient death. For most topics, the PGY1-PGY4s attend the sessions together, but for surgical education, in particular, we have designed a longitudinal curriculum with level-specific learning objectives; The residents are divided into smaller groups by level to optimize their learning with interns focusing on the basics, while senior residents work to refine their understanding and skills in anticipation of the transition to autonomous practice.
The program conducts interactive Intern Education sessions once a month which expands on the initial training conducted during orientation. These sessions focus on the key clinical elements of the practice of obstetrics and gynecology that encompass essential and appropriate topics for intern-level knowledge and skills. Interns will develop procedural skills in core intern-level and early PGY2-level procedures that enhance their ability to perform these procedures during real patient care. Procedures include obstetric laceration, laparotomy, cesarean section, use of microscopy, endometrial procedures, hysteroscopy, operative vaginal delivery, and laparoscopy. The development of patient communication skills through participation in small-group discussions and simulated patient sessions is also included in this curriculum.
Residents are also required to participate in various rotation-specific didactic sessions most of which are conducted on a weekly basis.
Other Simulation Sessions
Dr. Sara Sakamoto, Director of Simulation, along with Dr. Nicole Donnellan are members of the ACOG Simulations Work Group. Under their direction, the program continues to expand simulation training which includes participation in longitudinal operative vaginal delivery and vaginal surgery curriculum. Residents also participate in OB Crisis, multi-disciplinary team training that is a hospital-wide obstetric emergency training initiative for shoulder dystocia, and maternal cardiac arrest.
Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery
Residents participate in a longitudinal laparoscopic simulation curriculum – a curriculum that has served as the foundation for FLS certification since 2010! The curriculum includes FLS box trainers and monopolar chicken thigh labs. The MIGS fellows proctor second and third-year residents on the FLS trainer during select rotations and then help prepare the third-years for the FLS exam. The FLS trainer is available 24/7 in the residents' lounge.
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology now requires FLS certification for Board certification.
Robotics
The program has structured robotic surgery training with docking and virtual reality simulation using Intuitive and Mimic trainers. First- and second-year residents participate in all aspects of the robotics curriculum while third- and fourth-year residents benefit from more advanced elements of the curriculum. Residents participate in live robotic gynecologic surgery on a dual console with many of the full-time faculty and community faculty. The robotic simulator is conveniently located in the Physicians' Lounge which is conveniently located down the hall from the residents' lounge and is also available 24/7. Additionally, on certain rotations, the residents have the opportunity to travel a few blocks to UPMC Presbyterian and the CREATES center for a more advanced hands-on experience.
