The Duke Ob/Gyn Residency Program’s simulation curriculum is designed to hone residents’ practical skills and foster a mindset for effective teamwork. The curriculum utilizes a blend of tabletop simulations and hands-on task training in a lab room/simulated environment to ensure a well-rounded learning experience.
The curriculum is based on the following fundamental principles:
- Basic assumptions: Every learner has a unique set of experiences, skills and knowledge; we respect and build upon these differences to create a well-rounded learning experience.
- Psychological safety: We provide an environment where learners can feel safe to take risks, make mistakes and openly express their thoughts and ideas.
- Think out loud, ask for help, time out as needed: Active participation and open communication is encouraged. Residents think out loud, ask for help when needed and call for a "time out" if the situation requires it.
- Formative learning (not graded): The focus is on formative learning, which means residents participate to learn and grow, not to be graded.
- Debriefing: Each simulation session is followed by a comprehensive debriefing.
PGY-1 Specific Skills Curriculum
| Date | Simulation |
|---|---|
| 7/24/2025 | Circumcision |
| 8/20/2025 | PGY-1 Robotic Training (7-9 a.m.) |
| 8/28/2025 | C-section (including Surgical Instrument Review) |
| 9/18/2025 | Intro to Hysteroscopy (Wet and Dry Skills), Endometrial Ablation, Postpartum Tubal / Open Entry Lab |
Resident Curriculum Overview
| Date | Simulation |
|---|---|
| 7/16/2025 | Laparoscopic Hysterectomy |
| 8/20/2025 | PGY-1s and PGY-3s: Introduction to EMIGs PGY-2s and PGY-4s: TVH Lab |
| 9/17/2025 | OB Simulation — Day 1 (Cervical Checks/Breech; Shoulder; Postpartum Hemorrhage) |
| 10/15/2025 | Ovarian Cystectomy |
| 11/19/2025 | OB Laceration Lab |
| 12/17/2025 | Family Planning Day |
| 1/21/2026 | Laparoscopic Myomectomy; (Sonata + Accesa) |
| 2/18/2026 | Complex Hysteroscopy (Endosee, Resectoscope) |
| 3/18/2026 | OB Simulation — Day 2 (Forceps; Vacuum; Paracervical / Pudendal / TPIs / Blocks) |
| 4/15/2026 | Combined OB/GYN Skills Day (CKC, Cerclage, Morcellation, EMIGS Test Prep) |
| 5/28/2026 | ED/OB Sim — Content TBD |
| 6/17/2025 | OB Simulation — Day 3 (O’Leary, B-Lynch; Uterine Inversion) |
PGY-1 Specific Skills Curriculum
| Date | Simulation |
|---|---|
| *8/21/2024 | PGY-1 Robotic Training |
| 7/25/2024 | Circumcision |
| 8/29/2024 | C-section (including Surgical Instrument Review) |
| 9/19/2024 | Intro to Hysteroscopy, Myosure (Wet and Dry Skills), Novasure, Vessel Sealing |
Resident Curriculum Overview
| Date | Simulation |
|---|---|
| 7/17/2024 | Laparoscopic Hysterectomy |
| 8/21/2024 | Vascular Injury Sim + Bladder / Bowel Injury |
| 9/18/2024 | OB Simulation — Day 1 (Cervical Checks / Shoulder / PPH) |
| 10/16/2024 | PGY-1 and PGY-3: Introduction to EMIGs PGY-2 and PGY-4: TVH Lab |
| 11/20/2024 | OB Laceration Lab |
| 12/18/2024 | OB Simulation — Day 2 (Breech; Manual Extraction of Placenta; Uterine Inversion, Ultrasound) |
| 1/15/2025 | Laparoscopic Myomectomy |
| 2/19/2025 | Communications Sim / Hemostasis Workshop |
| 3/19/2025 | OB Simulation — Day 3 (Forceps; Vacuum; Paracervical / Pundendal) |
| 4/16/2025 | Hemostasis Workshop / Communications Sim |
| 5/21/2025 | ED / OB Sim |
| 6/18/2025 | OB Simulation — Day 4 (O'Leary, B-Lynch; Postpartum Tubal / Open Entry Lab) |
EMIGS / Endo
Ovarian Cystectomy Sim
Ideal ovarian cystectomy sim — longitudinal cut, no rupture
Sub-optimal ovarian cystectomy sim — oblique or jagged cut, rupture
Solo ovarian cystectomy sim
Cooperative ovarian cystectomy sim
Solo ovarian cystectomy sim
OB Sim
Pudendal and paracervical nerve blocks
Pudendal and paracervical nerve blocks
Pudendal and paracervical nerve blocks
Vacuum delivery
Vacuum delivery
Forceps delivery
Forceps delivery
Forceps delivery
AUB/TLH Sim
TVH Simulation
Laceration Lab
Family Planning Simulation
Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Hysteroscopy Sim
Student and Informal Training
Combined GYN/OB Skills Training
Vaginal morcellation
Laparoscopic suturing
Cold knife cone and McDonald cerclage
For questions about the Duke Ob/Gyn simulation program, please contact:
Dr. Mark Lachiewicz
Director of Surgical Simulation
mark.lachiewicz@duke.edu