Canadian first in medical training - Otolaryngology residents across Canada and USA learn emergency lifesaving skills in Surgical Bootcamp

LONDON, ON, Nov. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Faculty and junior residents from 10 universities and hospitals across Canada and the United States of America participated in the Emergencies in Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery Bootcamp at the Canadian Surgical Technologies & Advanced Robotics (CSTAR) facility in London Health Sciences Centre's (LHSC) University Hospital.

Participating universities and hospitals included Dalhousie University, Henry Ford Hospital, Université Laval, McMaster University, University of Michigan, University of Pittsburgh, Université de Sherbrooke, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, and Western University.

"The simulation-based bootcamp trained first and second year residents specializing in otolaryngology emergency lifesaving skills before they experienced life threatening situations during their residency," says Dr. Kevin Fung, head and neck surgeon and course director, LHSC.

"CSTAR's facilities and expertise in simulation based education and training are ideal for training the next generation of specialized physicians," says Dr. Christopher Schlachta, medical director, CSTAR.

The day was divided into three parts: practical skills training where residents worked on realistic models complete with fake blood; panels where real-life and emergency cases were discussed, and mannequin simulation scenarios.

"We blended knowledge with practical experience," says Dr. Fung. "Communication and collaboration skills were also emphasized as strangers had to work together during simulated procedures."

During the simulations, residents were faced with real-time emergency situations. Operating roles were assigned to faculty and residents and they were able to practice the knowledge gained earlier in the bootcamp on SimMan, a patient simulator. "This is a new way of teaching residents necessary skills rather than the old-fashioned 'see one do one' approach."

Second year residents have already experienced a year of practicing general medicine and begin their specialized training. Typically, a second year resident may be the first responder to an emergency situation before a senior resident or attending physician is called if needed.

David Yeh, resident, LHSC, participated in the bootcamp, "I was on-call the weekend following it and I encountered the situations we discussed and simulated in rapid succession. The training certainly made a positive impact."

About London Health Sciences Centre

London Health Sciences Centre has been in the forefront of medicine in Canada for 137 years and offers the broadest range of specialized clinical services in Ontario. Building on the traditions of its founding hospitals to provide compassionate care in an academic teaching setting, London Health Sciences Centre is home to Children's Hospital, South Street Hospital, University Hospital, Victoria Hospital, two family medical centres, and two research institutes - Children's Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute, a joint research initiative with St. Joseph's Health Care London. As a leader in medical discovery and health research, London Health Sciences Centre has a history of over 50 international and national firsts and attracts top clinicians and researchers from around the world. As a regional referral centre, London Health Sciences Centre cares for the most medically complex patients including critically injured adults and children in southwestern Ontario and beyond. The hospital's nearly 15,000 staff, physicians, students and volunteers provide care for more than one million patient visits a year. For more information visit www.lhsc.on.ca

SOURCE: London Health Sciences Centre

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