Simulation plays a prominent role in the education of the vascular surgery trainees. Dedicated time for simulation occurs several times a year as part of the didactic curriculum. Additional topic and device specific sessions are scheduled throughout the year on an as needed basis. Trainees also have 24/7 access to the Angiomentor-endovascular simulator. A level-specific curriculum has been developed for the trainees, starting with the basics of wire and catheter navigation and workup up to EVAR, TEVAR, carotid stenting and complex lower extremity interventions. Trainees are expected to complete their tasks for each year by the end of the year, meeting proficiencies before moving on to subsequent tasks.
The UW Vascular Surgery program is also one of 8 pilot sites for the Fundamentals of Vascular Surgery curriculum. This includes 3 open tasks and 8 simulated endovascular tasks which are being studied prior to nation-wide implementation. Finally, Dr. DiMusto serves as the Director of Simulation for the Department of Surgery.
The UW Clinical Simulation Program is housed in a 7,500 sq ft facility that recently underwent expansion to include a new wet lab space, dry skills room, and new “VR” room where the Angiomentor is housed. For more information on the simulation program you can visit https://www.med.wisc.edu/clinical-simulation-program/.
