Innovative Training Lab Series: Excellence in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

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Profile

The Innovative Training Lab Series offers monthly sessions in topics at the forefront of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Residents experience a wide variety of clinical areas including basic anatomy, surgical techniques, burn surgery, hand surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, limb salvage, cleft and craniofacial reconstruction, aesthetic surgery, and microvascular surgery. Additionally, they are introduced to aesthetic procedures such as botulinum toxin injections, filler injections, and breast implant options. Attendees walk away from this program with the advanced technical skills knowledge required to pursue more specialized facets of plastic surgery. The monthly lab series will take a progressive approach to learning surgical skills beginning with anatomy labs, microvascular training techniques using synthetic vessels and nerves, and hands on saw bones courses.

These events will lead to improved quality of care provided to patients as we endeavor to provide the best possible plastic and reconstructive surgery training for residents

Objectives

Cadaveric anatomy labs provide the foundation for success in the surgeon’s armamentarium. Providing an environment where leaders in the field are able to walk trainees through numerous procedures ensures world class surgical training. The practice of complex craniofacial reconstruction, burn surgery, hand surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, and aesthetic surgery enables the next generation of leaders in the field to promulgate safe and effective techniques that continue to drive the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery forward. Repetition in a simulated environment leads to steadfast precision intraoperatively, and this is the main goal of the training lab series. The combination of appropriate tools and foundation of knowledge will lead to a continuing elevation of the gold standard of care.

The practice of microvascular anastomosis will be emphasized through multiple graduated learning modules, starting with synthetic practice models. The residents will practice end-to-end as well as end-to-side anastomoses. This will then be improved upon with an ex-vivo vessel model, with the ultimate goal of achieving patent anastomoses in live animal models. Furthermore, nerve coaptation simulation will provide residents with a unique opportunity to practice high-fidelity techniques. There will be opportunity for perforator dissection in cadaveric models to improve resident technical ability. Repeated cadaveric dissections will allow residents ample time and experience to become comfortable with the latest advances in plastic and reconstructive surgery, including lymphatic surgery, limb replantation, muscle reinnervation, fat grafting, and aesthetics.

Attendees

The lab series will be attended by the UC San Diego Division of Plastic Surgery residents, fellows, and select medical students interested in pursuing plastic surgery.

Faculty

Under the direction of Dr. Amanda Gosman, Division Chief, the monthly lab series will be led by Dr. Christopher Reid along with special Visiting Professors. Visiting Professors will be invited to present Grand Rounds and additional training sessions in their specific area of expertise. The list of past Visiting Professors can be found on here. This group of distinguished surgeons is well respected in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery and in many instances serve as leaders at their respective academic institutions. Additionally, labs may be led by other UCSD faculty including: Drs. Frederic Kolb, Kate Hinchcliff, Priya Lewis, and Ahmed Suliman.

Location

The labs will be held at UC San Diego Center for the Future of Surgery (CFS). Located in the beautiful Medical Education and Telemedicine in La Jolla, offers medical simulation training. The Center strives to improve and expand surgical options using emerging technology, and to disseminate knowledge to future and practicing clinicians. CFS address: 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla CA 92093-0740.

Virtual Tour of the Simulation Center

Virtual Tour of the Professional Development Center

Support 

As a leader in research and patient care, the UC San Diego Division of Plastic Surgery is committed to providing the latest in expert and compassionate treatment, performing leading-edge research, and training the next generation of top plastic surgeons. UC San Diego Health is currently ranked among America's best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. To get involved and support the future of plastic surgeons at UC San Diego Health, click here.