Departmental

Ethics Pizza Rounds
Ethics Pizza Rounds Conference is moderated by Ira Kodner, M.D., professor of surgery and director of the Center for the Study of Ethics and Human Values. "Ethics Conference" is a venue for discussion of ethical dilemmas and topics encountered in the course of surgical practice. Participants include residents and faculty from a variety of specialties as well as experts in the fields of ethics and religion.

First Thursday of every month, 5-6 p.m. (Labor Day to the conclusion of the academic year)

General Surgery Conference
This conference is a forum for residents in conjunction with faculty moderators to lead an in-depth, evidence-based, and interactive discussion of topics of interest to general surgical trainees and practicing surgeons, as well as cover key components of the surgical curriculum.  Pertinent and up-to-date literature is disseminated prior to the conference date to stimulate and facilitate audience participation.

Three out of four Wednesdays of each month, 7–8 a.m. (Labor Day to the conclusion of the academic year)

Morbidity and Mortality Conference
All deaths and complications occurring at Medical Center hospitals during the previous weeks are discussed.

Tuesday, 5-6 p.m.

Department of Surgery Grand Rounds
The faculty present clinical topics in general surgery and the surgical specialties. These rounds are usually devoted to subjects pertaining to clinical surgery or basic science.

Once a month, Wednesday morning, 7–8 a.m. (Labor Day to the conclusion of the academic year)

The Practice of Surgery Conference
The Practice of  Surgery Conference is a forum for review of basic science and clinical topics fundamental to the practice of surgery. Acquisition of critical thinking skills essential to understanding experimental design and data analysis and expert review of recent technological advances are emphasized.
 
The Practice of Surgery Conference consists of the following formats on a rotating basis: 

• Journal Club series is an opportunity to conduct an in-depth, evidence-based review of a topic pertinent to the practice of surgery with faculty experts.
• ABSITE review - weekly on-line quizzes followed by brief review and discussion covering the major content areas of the in-service training exam and qualifying exam for surgical credentialing.
• Faculty presentations are a series of concise lectures by faculty experts that represent state-of-the-art, evidence-based reviews of topics of interest to practicing surgeons. (8–9 a.m. Wednesdays)    

Surgical Skills Laboratory Sessions 
Surgical technique is taught not only through operative experience that junior residents obtain, but also in weekly hands-on skills sessions, in our “surgical skills laboratory.” The scope of these sessions includes instrument choice and use, basic suturing and stapling techniques, a curriculum in basic and advanced laparoscopic techniques, and sessions covering techniques and procedures using simulated and animal models. Virtual reality training is being made available over the upcoming year and is expected to figure prominantly in the resident education experience in the future.