The Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET) course uses human cadavers to teach surgical exposure of anatomic structures that, when injured, may pose a threat to life or limb. Students use a course manual that provides an overview of surgical exposures in key areas: neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis, and upper and lower extremities. The one-day course covers each section, beginning with a case-based overview that is followed by a hands-on exposure guided by the faculty. The student-to-faculty ratio is low, allowing extensive faculty guidance and interaction with students. Each student assesses his or her ability to perform each exposure independently, and is evaluated on knowledge and technical skills. For more course information, contact the Trauma Education Program office at 312-202-5693 or asset@facs.org.
Program Overview Course Description
A course manual is distributed to students prior to taking the course to provide an overview of key surgical exposures in five key anatomic areas: neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis, and upper and lower extremities. The one-day cadaver-based course follows this modular, body region approach. Each section begins with a short case-based overview, followed by a hands-on exposure performed by students under the guidance of faculty. The student-to-faculty ratio is low, allowing extensive faculty guidance and interaction with students. The student assesses his or her ability to perform each exposure independently and is evaluated on knowledge and technical skills. Target Audience The intended audience includes mid-level and senior surgical residents, trauma and acute care surgical fellows, or any surgeon who wishes to undertake a review of this anatomy. Objectives Demonstrate knowledge of key anatomical exposures for the care of injured and acutely ill surgical patients. Demonstrate his or her technical ability to expose important structures that may require acute surgical intervention to save life or limb. Gain confidence in performing anatomic exposures independently. Faculty assessment of a student’s ability to independently perform anatomical exposures will be satisfactory.
Accreditation The American College of Surgeons is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. CME Credit The American College of Surgeons designates this live activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Of the AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ listed above, a maximum of 5 credits meet the requirements for Self-Assessment. Of the AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ listed above, a maximum of 6 credits meet the requirements for Trauma/Critical Care.
