Surgical Skills Laboratory (SSL)

Our Facility

The Surgical Skills Laboratory (SSL) serves as a training ground for diverse medical professionals to hone their surgical skills.

Surgical Mastery

The SSL is a state-of-the-art training, biohazard level 2 facility where surgical residents from over 20 programs practice essential techniques, including laparoscopy, arthroscopy, endoscopy, and microsurgery.

Our lab features high-fidelity task trainers, a robust human prosection inventory, and human and animal cadaveric materials, offering a realistic, safe environment to develop procedural skills. Training programs simulate real-life scenarios, enabling healthcare professionals to refine their techniques with confidence. Video recording capabilities allow for valuable feedback and progress monitoring.

With modular pod configurations, the lab can adapt to various group sizes, supporting multiple sessions at once in one large space or up to four smaller sections. The SSL also hosts numerous external groups and industry-sponsored sessions.

20 Stations

The facility features modular 4 pods which can be utilized as 20 stations or simulated operating rooms equipped with scrub sinks, surgical beds, and tables, overhead OR lighting, dual LED monitors, and ceiling supply units.

The Surgical Skills Laboratory is designed to be multifunctional and offers a variety of configurations to accommodate any group size.

The area can be used as one large space or divided into two or four smaller spaces allowing for multiple education sessions to occur at once.

Operating Room Equipment

Pan-tilt-zoom Cameras: four stations are fitted with in-light cameras to enable real-time imaging that can be remotely displayed across the lab and classrooms.An integrated system of pan-tilt-zoom cameras offers the ability to video record laboratory sessions.
Laparoscopic Simulators: Designed to simulate minimally invasive surgical techniques, these allow trainees to practice and refine their skills in a realistic yet controlled environment.
High-Fidelity Patient Simulators: These lifelike mannequins can simulate a variety of medical conditions, enabling healthcare providers to practice complex procedures, from cardiac resuscitation to trauma response.
Ultrasound Machines: Equipped with the latest technology, our ultrasound systems provide accurate and immediate imaging, essential for diagnostic and procedural training.
Endoscopic Simulators: With our advanced endoscopy simulation tools, professionals can perfect their skills in procedures such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and bronchoscopy.
High-fidelity cadaveric and plastinated models: These models can simulate a variety of medical conditions, enabling healthcare providers to practice complex procedures, from laparotomy to collecting mycology specimens.

C-arm Imaging System

Our high-quality C-Arm enables real-time, high-resolution imaging, critical for procedures requiring precision. It’s an essential tool for fluoroscopy-guided surgeries and radiological interventions.

The use of GE HealthCare OEC C-arms has been crucial in our simulation-based medical education programs.

As we continue to leverage the advanced technology of OEC C-arms, we remain committed to providing superior care, achieving excellence in medical imaging, and fostering cutting-edge medical education.

Laboratory Activities

If your program involves the following approaches or activities, then the Surgical Skills Laboratory (SSL) is the appropriate space to book.

Use of Cadaveric Tissue

Cadaveric tissue is often used for teaching complex surgical procedures, such as dissections, suturing, and laparoscopic techniques, offering an unparalleled opportunity for learners to gain tactile experience. By working with real human and/or animal tissue, learners can better understand the intricacies of human anatomy and improve their skills in a controlled, supervised setting.

Surgical Procedures and Medical Device Training

The SSL offers an advanced environment for practicing a wide range of surgical techniques, including suturing, laparoscopic procedures, and orthopedic surgeries using both task training simulators and cadaveric tissue. For external and industry representatives, the SSL is the perfect space to conduct medical device training and product demonstrations, particularly when working with cadaveric tissue.

The lab supports the practice of complex procedures such as vascular, cardiothoracic, neurosurgical, and trauma surgeries, providing a realistic, hands-on experience. Additionally, specialized training in urologic and gynecologic surgeries is available, with opportunities to refine advanced skills using both anatomical models and cadaveric specimens. The SSL’s comprehensive setup ensures that industry professionals can train effectively while showcasing the application of medical devices in real-world scenarios.

Surgical Workshops, Anatomy Review and Research

If your activity involves surgical procedural workshops, human anatomy review, or research collaboration, the SSL is an ideal space to support your needs.

Anatomy reviews are essential for these activities, as a solid understanding of anatomy is critical for performing successful surgical procedures. The SSL's resources, including a comprehensive cadaveric prosection inventory and anatomical models, provide an opportunity for learners to review anatomy in detail.

Our non-embalmed or lightly embalmed cadaveric materials enhance the learning experience by offering a more realistic and tactile representation of human anatomy, aiding in the development of surgical skills and providing a deeper understanding of tissue structure and behavior. This hands-on approach supports procedural practice.

Additionally, the SSL encourages research that utilizes these cadaveric materials to drive innovation in simulation training, advancing healthcare education and surgical techniques.
To learn more about our research process, please visit:

ATSSL Research