The UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine carries out world-class simulation with its residents using state-of-the-art equipment, high-fidelity manikins, and standardized patients.

Residents take part in high-fidelity simulation sessions multiple times during each year of training, starting with the clinical base year. These sessions consist of procedural and immersive simulations that take place both in the simulation lab and often incorporate interprofessional aspects. Additionally, Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) preparatory simulations are offered to all CA1-3 residents, modeled after the ABA Applied Exam. Finally, self-guided modules involving ultrasound skills are offered throughout residency and are completed using one of several ultrasoundable trainers.  

Special Events 

CA1 Boot camp
Taking place over multiple days very early in CA1 year, this boot camp combines immersive and procedural simulations with useful didactic topics. Simulations include multiple operative situations and ultrasound-guided central venous line placement.

OSCE Prep
Offered in the spring, this prep allows CA1-3 residents to have the opportunity to take part in all of the stations they will encounter during their OSCE in the ABA Applied Exam.

iTeachU Ultrasound Modules
This is a collection of self-guided modules that allow the residents to review content at their own pace before attending a workshop for feedback on hands-on skills. Post-workshop, residents complete case studies on either the Vimedix Ultrasound Simulator or the Blue Phantom vascular access trainers to practice hands-on  skills acquired during the workshop. Modules include TTE, TEE, pulmonary & gastric ultrasound, vascular access, and peri-arrest. Once residents are enrolled in a module, they maintain access to the content indefinitely.  

Fundamentals of Critical Care Support (FCCS) Simulations
Within the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, the Division of Critical Care and Perioperative Medicine has partnered with UAB Clinical Simulation to facilitate interprofessional simulations for the quarterly Fundamentals of Critical Care Support course. Anesthesia learners within these simulations are typically in their clinical base year, with other course learners being both internal and external to UAB.  

Difficult Airway Workshop
The Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine collaborates with UAB Clinical Simulation to offer the hands-on portion of the annual Difficult Airway Workshop. Hosted and facilitated by departmental faculty, the workshop boasts numerous procedural stations, as well as several vendors. Past stations have included jet ventilation, double lumen tubes and bronchial blockers, and cricothyrotomy. 

Simulation in fellowship
Simulation is done in numerous ways during several of the fellowships. For example, the pain medicine fellowship has an annual, interprofessional simulation event where all fellows and several nurses from the clinic have the chance to engage in several immersive simulations while working in teams. 

Projects
Several residents have developed and completed projects using simulation as either the project base or a component. We welcome this collaboration. 

For more information, contact Simulation Curriculum Director James Hunter, M.D.