Goodman Gets A Glow-up
Surgery Simulation Center Receives Transformational Grant
September 19, 2024
The Goodman Surgical Education Center (GSEC) has undergone a remarkable transformation to enhance the educational experience for students and instructors alike. With a focus on upgrading equipment, improving realism, and expanding capabilities, the center is poised to elevate medical education to new heights.
Following a generous donation in early 2023, The Center’s staff embarked on a comprehensive upgrade process. Simulation Specialist and Education Projects Coordinator Robyn Foote said the recent installations of a new mannequin and advanced audiovisual system mark the homestretch, with only user training and cosmetic adjustments remaining on the agenda.
“Between meeting with equipment representatives to discuss site needs, submitting/processing the POs, preparing the facility space, coordinating with [the hospital], and receiving and installing the equipment the entire process has taken about 1.5 years,” said Foote. “Despite the extensive renovations, we've tried to mitigate disruptions as much as possible and have remained largely accessible in most areas of learning.”
Dr. Connie Gan, a surgical education fellow, highlighted the significance of the new SimCapture system in enhancing simulation experiences.
“In many of our simulations, the Goodman team strives to replicate clinical scenarios with high realism to enhance our knowledge and skills. However, the limitations of our previous system, particularly in audiovisual components, often hindered this goal,” said Gan. “The new SimCapture system will enable learners to engage more independently in scenarios before receiving guidance, enhancing their problem-solving skills.”
Gan says the new system also offers improvements for instructors.
“I look forward to utilizing the system for recording and reviewing my teaching, including post-scenario debriefings, which will help me refine and improve my instructional techniques,” said Gan.
The system enables learners to engage independently in scenarios, fostering problem-solving skills and facilitating the review of teaching methods for instructors. The improved audiovisual components address previous limitations, allowing for a more immersive and effective learning environment.
Goodman Center Simulationist Teresa Roman-Micek said she’s most excited about the new electronic patient simulator, SimMan3G. The simulator's enhanced realism and functionality offer a more authentic and enriching learning experience.
“The new SimMan has an improved look so the initial encounter looks more like a real person. The skin is a silicone based instead of a hard plastic; that makes a huge difference,” said Roman-Micek. “The ‘patient’ has all the anatomically correct pulse points, heart and lung sounds, and pupils that respond to light. Eyelids can be closed or halfway open. We can also do more coaching in terms of emergent intubation, and it has IV access in both arms.”
With a focus on expansion and innovation, The Center looks to accommodate more learners, enhance recording and debriefing capabilities, and simulate realistic medical scenarios with increased precision and detail.
“Of course, there's always more to be done at The Center, and we have some additional goals on the horizon,” said Foote.
Roman-Micek notes that although SimMan3G comes with both sets of genitalia, there are no breasts. Hey Plastic Surgeons: want to do a reconstruction?
Media Contact
Bio
About Stanford Surgery
The Stanford University Department of Surgery is dedicated to inventing the future of surgical care through:
• pioneering cutting-edge research,
• developing the next generation of leaders, and
• healing through incomparable surgical skills and compassion.
To learn more, please visit surgery.stanford.edu
The Latest
– SurgeryINSIDE: PCSA2026
Two general surgery residents won awards at the Pacific Coast Surgical Association's 97th annual meeting this year in Oahu, Hawaii.
– SurgeryINSIDE: ASC2026
Stanford Surgery trainees from across several disciplines presented at the 21st annual Academic Surgical Congress held in Orlando, Florida last week.
– SurgeryExploring the Intersection of Surgery and Cancer Research with Dr. Dan Delitto
Dr. Dan Delitto is an assistant professor of surgery at Stanford University specializes in surgical oncology and holds a PhD in immunology. On this episode, Dr. Delitto reflects on his decision to pursue an MD-PhD pathway during residency and discusses the recent advancements in single-cell RNA sequencing technology that his lab has acquired. He explains the complex role of fibroblasts in cancer development, particularly in pancreatic ductal carcinoma, highlighting how these cells can both promote and hinder tumor growth.
– CAP ProfilesDr. Clifford Sheckter Promoted to Associate Professor
Clifford Sheckter, MD, MS, FACS has been promoted to Associate Professor effective March 1, 2026. Dr. Sheckter works in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
– Abdominal TransplantationINSIDE ASTS 2026: Stanford Abdominal Transplantation Surgery Recap
The American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) Winter Symposium was held January 22–25, 2026 at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona. The symposium brings together leading experts from across the field to share emerging research, discuss innovations in transplant care, and highlight key developments shaping the future of transplantation. There were several contributions from Stanford.