AANA Unveils Mobile Advanced Arthroscopy Simulator Program
AANA Unveils Mobile Advanced Arthroscopy Simulator Program
Mobile knee and shoulder simulators to provide advanced training to residency programs nationwide.
AANA recently held a beta test for the Mobile Advanced Arthroscopy Simulator (MAAS) Program at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) in Newark, New Jersey. The innovative program, which will officially launch in early November, introduces Orthopaedic Residents to arthroscopy simulators and a fixed curriculum to demonstrate proficiency in arthroscopic procedures for both the knee and the shoulder. The program aims to advance arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgical education, a core component of AANA’s mission.
Arthroscopy requires a high level of precision and accuracy that makes effective training crucial for the next generation of Orthopaedic Surgeons. AANA’s Foundations in Arthroscopy courses, taught at the Orthopaedic Learning Center in Rosemont, Illinois just outside of Chicago, continue to be one of the most valuable resources available to teach effective skills that transfer to improved overall training performance. Based on the success of these widely popular training opportunities, the concept will be taken one step further to offer simulated-based training nationwide.
Accessibility is one of the MAAS Program’s key features. With the program, two portable simulators, supplied by simulation manufacturer VirtaMed, will be sent on a rotational basis to residency programs across the United States and Canada. These simulators will provide innovative, self-administered training while offering proximate feedback and performance measurements. This form of training is crucial for Residents demonstrating their surgical competency, allowing them to gain valuable experience in a risk-free environment prior to performing procedures on real-life patients. By leveraging the power of mobile technology, this initiative addresses the critical need for accessible and effective surgical training.
Additionally, what sets the MAAS Program apart is its comprehensive training modules. Prior to the program’s start at each residency program, an AANA Mentor will hold a pre- and post-meeting with faculty and Residents to review program expectations and the core curriculum. Once the program officially starts, both a basic and advanced curriculum will be offered. The basic curriculum is targeted toward residency years 2 and 3, the advanced for residency years 4 and 5. At the conclusion of each residency program’s six-week period, feedback will be collected for additional improvements and enhancements.
The beta test for the program at NJMS proved to be highly successful. The day kicked off with an opening lecture from a VirtaMed representative followed by ample time on the portable simulators. 26 total registrants were able to test their skill set on knot tying, amidst other procedures.
"We are excited to introduce the MAAS Program as one of AANA’s latest innovative initiatives, which will without a doubt be a game-changer in medical education,” says AANA Secretary and MAAS Program Coordinator Joseph C. Tauro, M.D. “My enthusiasm for this program is off the charts – not just because of its educational value, but because it clearly demonstrates AANA’s leadership on educational and research fronts. The MAAS Program is yet another example of strong teamwork and collaboration.”
“The MAAS Program’s launch is a potential leap forward in our mission to elevate the skills of aspiring arthroscopic surgeons,” remarks AANA President John M. Tokish, M.D. “Making this program available to residency programs nationwide promises to change how we train and empower our future surgeons, ensuring a brighter future for orthopaedic medicine."
The MAAS Program’s official launch date is set for November 8, 2023 at Nassau University Medical Center in New York.