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From virtual simulation to synthetic cadavers and more, surgical technology and surgical assisting programs are incorporating the very latest in innovative, hands-on training activities into their curricula. The Cut Suit is a simulation tool that is worn by a live human and replicates the look and feel of traumatic injuries. Designed by surgeons for surgeons, the Cut Suit allows students to practice for high-pressure situations with room to safely make non-life threatening errors.

Southeast Community College (SCC) in Lincoln, NE, recently launched a certificate program for students looking to become surgical first assistants (SFAs). Hear from Program Director Cynthia Kreps on what drove this decision and how launching the certificate has benefitted their college and community.

How do we get students out of their seats and actively engaged in the classroom? Most instructors ponder this question for course content outside the laboratory setting. At Trine University’s Surgical Technology Program, flyswatters are a key to successfully helping student better engage in their learning experience. This common household item is useful for not only test review sessions, but also for team bonding amongst the students.

It is with a profound sense of loss that ARC/STSA says goodbye to Karen Ludwig, BA, a beloved member of the surgical education community, who passed away on February 11, 2021. Ludwig was born on October 24, 1945, near Chicago and received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Colorado. She worked at AST for more than 20 years in various capacities, primarily serving during that tenure as director of publications.

The second annual Joint Conference of the Association of Surgical Assistants and National Surgical Assistant Association will take place on April 23-24 in Orlando, Florida. The conference will offer a range of workshops, exhibitions, discussions and more on emerging trends in the world of surgical assisting.

The February and March Virtual AFE Workshops were a roaring success! Co-presented with ARC/STSA’s education initiative, EdAccred, the events drew a range of new and seasoned program directors, clinical coordinators, instructors and administrators. Interested in a future workshop and wondering where you fit in? Take a glance to learn who’s who at the February AFE.

ARC/STSA would like to congratulate the surgical technology program at East Mississippi Community College in Mayhew, MS, for achieving initial accreditation. Please join us in celebrating their hard work and hear from Surgical Technology Program Director Alicia King, BS, CSFA, CST, on what this means for their students.

As we settle into a new year, I expect you are all off to an incredibly busy 2021! I hope you have an escape mechanism in place, something you can focus on that relaxes and rejuvenates you so you can better handle your incredibly busy schedules. My mechanism is music. I have been thinking a lot lately about the following lyric…

The Da Vinci Surgical System offers an advanced set of instruments for surgeons to use in performing robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery. This cutting-edge technology is already making its way into operating rooms (ORs) across the country, which affects the job of the surgical technologist. To ensure students are provided with greater marketability when they enter the workforce, the surgical technology program at Reading Hospital has incorporated the Da Vinci Surgical Certification program into its coursework. ARC/STSA spoke to Gwendolynn Jackson, AAS, RN, CST, surgical technology faculty at Reading Hospital, to learn more about the certification.

At Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs, CO, David Provost, MA, BS, CST, surgical technology department chair and program director, has developed a mentorship program where his first cohort of students, who are in clinicals, mentor the incoming cohort. ARC/STSA spoke to Provost about his inspiration for the program and how it has benefitted the department. Plus, hear from mentors and mentees about how the program helped boost their confidence.