A competency-based simulation curriculum for surgical resident trauma resuscitation skills.

Background: Evidence-based curricula for nonprocedural simulation training in general surgery are lacking. Residency programs are required to implement simulation training despite this shortcoming. The goal of this project was the development of a simulation curriculum that measurably improves milestone performance and replaces traditional experienced-based training with a competency-based model.

Addressing Professionalism, Social, and Communication Competencies in Surgical Residency Via Integrated Humanities Workshops: A Pilot Curriculum.

Objective: We aimed to conduct professionalism and social competencies (PSC) training by integrating humanities into structured workshops, and to assess reception of this curriculum by first-year surgical residents.

Design: An IRB-approved, pilot curriculum consisting of 4 interactive workshops for surgical interns was developed. The workshops were scheduled quarterly, often in small group format, and supplemental readings were assigned.

Development of an artificial placenta IV: 24 hour venovenous extracorporeal life support in premature lambs.

An extracorporeal artificial placenta would change the paradigm of treating extremely premature infants. We hypothesized that a venovenous extracorporeal life support (VV-ECLS) artificial placenta would maintain fetal circulation, hemodynamic stability, and adequate gas exchange for 24 hours. A near-term neonatal lamb model (130 days; term = 145 days) was used (n = 9).

Gastrostomy tube placement in infants and children: is there a preferred technique?

Purpose: Advances in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and laparoscopic (LAP) techniques, including LAP-assisted PEG, offer alternatives to the standard open gastrostomy technique. This study compares the outcomes of the PEG and LAP techniques.

Methods: All gastrostomy tube placements were reviewed at our institution from January 2004 to October 2008.

A unique case of a giant congenital pulmonary hemangioma in a newborn.

Congenital pulmonary hemangiomas are extremely rare lesions. We present a unique case of a giant congenital pulmonary hemangioma in an otherwise healthy newborn who presented with respiratory distress at birth. This was managed with resection after an unsuccessful trial of nonoperative management.