The Division of General Surgery has developed a standardized robotic education curriculum to help prepare residents for evolving technology and applications of robotic-assisted surgery. All residents receive training in the basics of robotic surgery. For those who are interested in a broader robotic education, opportunities are available to pursue additional robotic training for post-graduate preparation. Robotic trainers are available at Ronald-Reagan UCLA, Santa Monica UCLA, West LA VA, and Olive View UCLA Medical Center, which comprise the primary training sites across all five clinical years.
CASIT
Technical skills refinement is another important area of formalized training in our curriculum. UCLA is home to the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), a state of the art surgical skills simulation suite dedicated to defining and advancing surgical and interventional technologies. CASIT is an Accredited Educational Institute by the American College of Surgeons. Here, residents complete skills modules catered to their level of training with guidance, formal feedback, and evaluation by faculty. The courses range from basic knot tying to advanced robotic skills. The curriculum also aims to prepare residents for mandatory skills exams, such as the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery and Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery.
With 24-hour access in the basement of Ronald-Reagan UCLA, residents have the opportunity to participate in a variety of robotic, laparoscopic, and endoscopic simulators at their convenience.
