General Surgery Residency

Robotic Curriculum

Robotic-Assisted Surgery Education

The Division of General Surgery has developed a standardized robotic education curriculum to help prepare residents for evolving technology and applications of robotic-assisted surgery. All residents receive training in the basics of robotic surgery. For those who are interested in a broader robotic education, opportunities are available to pursue additional robotic training for post-graduate preparation. Robotic trainers are available at Ronald-Reagan UCLA, Santa Monica UCLA, West LA VA, and Olive View UCLA Medical Center, which comprise the primary training sites across all five clinical years.

Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT)

Technical skills refinement is another important area of formalized training in our curriculum. UCLA is home to the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), a state-of-the-art surgical skills simulation suite dedicated to defining and advancing surgical and interventional technologies. CASIT is an Accredited Educational Institute by the American College of Surgeons. Here, residents complete skills modules catered to their level of training with guidance, formal feedback, and evaluation by faculty. The courses range from basic knot tying to advanced robotic skills. The curriculum also aims to prepare residents for mandatory skills exams, such as the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery and Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery.

With 24-hour access in the basement of Ronald-Reagan UCLA, residents have the opportunity to participate in a variety of robotic, laparoscopic, and endoscopic simulators at their convenience.

Robotic Surgery Training Program at CASIT

Under the leadership of Dr. Jonathan King and Dr. Mark Girgis, the UCLA General Surgery Residency Robotic Surgery Training Program leverages CASIT’s cutting-edge facilities. Established in 2015, this intensive, month-long program takes place twice a year, offering residents hands-on training through:

  • Cadaver dissections
  • Live-animal surgeries
  • Ex-vivo tissue models

By integrating research-driven methods, the program enhances resident education while fostering technological advancements.