Stony Brook University's Obstetrics and Gynecology Simulation Training Program offers a comprehensive, competency-based approach to educating residents, faculty, and multidisciplinary teams. Our mission is to provide safe, realistic, and impactful educational opportunities that seamlessly complement clinical, research, and didactic training.
Simulation Curriculum Highlights
Multidisciplinary Unit-Based Simulation: Our in-situ sessions at Stony Brook University immerse participants in realistic neonatal emergency scenarios, including shoulder dystocia, maternal hemorrhage, hypertensive crisis, and maternal cardiopulmonary arrest. Using standardized patients and high-fidelity mannequins, we focus on developing crucial technical, behavioral, and communication skills, ultimately fostering a culture of safety within obstetrics.
Annual Intern Orientation (Intern Boot Camp): Before residency begins, interns participate in five three- to four-hour sessions over two weeks in June. This intensive boot camp hones essential surgical skills and procedures, covering:
- Obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound
- Suturing and knot tying
- Perineal laceration repair
- Laparoscopic skills
- Cervical exams
- Labor management tools
- Cesarean delivery
- Long-acting reversible contraception placement
- Surgical instrument knowledge
Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopy: Our curriculum is designed to make residents "robot ready" in compliance with patient safety standards. It includes:
- A self-directed didactic component developed by Intuitive (da Vinci robotic surgical systems manufacturers).
- Proctored experience with bedside assisting, with focus on docking/undocking the robot, bedside assist skills and console operation.
- Self-directed virtual reality simulation modules using the da Vinci robotic trainer.
Our State-of-the-Art Simulation Labs
The Obstetrics Simulation Lab at Stony Brook University is a cutting-edge facility equipped with low-fidelity models and two high-fidelity simulation theaters. These theaters boast state-of-the-art equipment, complete with attached control and debriefing rooms, offering an unparalleled training experience:
- High-fidelity simulation exercises mimic real emergencies, facilitating team communication, skill refinement, and real-time responses.
- Video-recorded simulation review for in-depth analysis
- Comprehensive debriefing sessions to discuss and optimize the simulation experience.
Promoting Patient Safety Through Simulation
The Department of OB/GYN has a long-standing commitment to utilizing simulation to teach residents critical skills, teamwork, and communication in a safe, controlled environment.
Interns begin their simulation-based training during orientation, focusing on:
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification
- Vital intra-partum procedural skills:
- Sterile cervical exams
- Amniotomy
- Intrauterine pressure catheter placement
- Fetal scalp electrode placement
- Routine vaginal delivery skills
- Postpartum hemorrhage management
- Fetal distress management
- Intrauterine device placement
Throughout their four years, our residents participate in three to four OB simulation training sessions annually. We emphasize frequent training on common obstetrical emergencies, including:
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Forceps and vacuum-assisted deliveries
- Shoulder dystocia
- Amniotic fluid embolism and maternal cardiorespiratory failure
- Breech vaginal delivery
- Crisis resource management
- Teamwork and communication
- Advocacy and feedback
In addition to OB simulation training, residents participate in four gynecologic simulation training sessions each year. These sessions cover topics related to benign gynecologic surgery, such as:
- Basic and Advanced Laparoscopic surgical skills
- Cystoscopy and Vaginal Hysterectomy
- Energy sources in Surgery
- Open surgical skills
- Management of intraoperative complications
- Hysteroscopy
- Pelvic anatomy
Medical Student Training
Simulation Training for Medical Students: Our simulation training is integrated into the third-year clerkship orientation, ensuring uniform instruction and experience for all students at the start of their obstetrics and gynecology rotation. Students spend a dedicated morning in the simulation lab in small groups, visiting faculty-led stations for hands-on skills sessions. These sessions cover:
- Suturing
- Knot tying
- Vaginal delivery
- Breast exam
This early hands-on experience provides practical knowledge, boosts confidence, and significantly improves performance as students begin their clerkship.
