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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.

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.

  In a year full of challenges, being able [...]

With winter break around the corner, it’s important to give students a sense of continuity and ensure they retain the information they have learned. Connie Bell, CST, FAST, shares tips for supporting students as they return to clinicals after an extended break. Plus, Theresa Sorgen-Burleson, MBA, CST, discusses how her program at the University of St. Francis keeps students engaged over longer summer breaks through a retest program.

Advances in technology have made surgical simulation a powerful teaching tool, and there are many options that can apply to surgical technology. Terry Herring, surgical technology division chair at Fayetteville Community College, spoke to Amy Broussard, program director and lead instructor at SOWELA Technical Community College, about one such simulation technology, PeriopSim.

In light of the need for social distancing, ARC/STSA asked instructors to share their solutions and protocols for lab rotations and other activities that usually involve hands-on instruction. We also asked for suggestions on how to obtain protective personal equipment (PPE) for students when it is not made available at clinical sites. What follows is a compilation of ideas and tips we received.

In 1992, Becky Larson was a young mother of three, looking for a job that allowed her to work remotely. Because options for virtual work were limited at the time, she found herself in the world of medical transcription, which ultimately led her to a variety of roles in medical simulation. She quickly became passionate about the work and the technology’s ability to allow students to practice their skills in a safe environment.

Welcome to the ARC/STSA July/August eNewsletter. We are eight months into 2020, where addressing extraordinary challenges and making difficult decisions happen almost daily. None of us signed on for this, yet here we are. Along with the challenges, there are shining examples of caring and a profound sense of community among our educators. We are clearly better together. With so much happening, my update will provide a brief summation on a number of pertinent topics related to activities at the ARC/STSA.