Surgical Training and Education Center Advances Orthopedic Learning in Realistic Environment

Focused on patients of the future, Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute Surgical Training and Education Center is reshaping orthopedic care now. The center provides medical professionals with continued education and hands-on surgical training in a state-of-the-art bioskills lab, all situated on the seventh floor of the institute’s 375,000-square-foot orthopedic complex in downtown Orlando.

“This lab enables our learners to simulate real-life surgical procedures, test their approaches and practice with the most advanced medical devices in a realistic operating arena,” says George Haidukewych, MD, the director of orthopedic trauma, chief of complex joint replacement and academic chairman of Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute.  

The 10-station, customizable space is the largest dedicated resident lab among the nation's orthopedic hospitals. On-site technology includes endoscopic towers, C-arms, mini-C arms, radiolucent tables for maximum procedural accuracy, minimally invasive surgical instruments, a 3-D printer and arthroscopy capabilities for practical surgical training.

“We partner with global companies to further develop and implement novel methodologies,” says Dr. Haidukewych, an internationally renowned orthopedic surgeon and lecturer who holds more than 90 industry patents. “Our team has early access to the latest innovations in robotic and navigational platforms, implants and techniques for our learners to use. This is technology not yet available to most other surgeons.”

In addition to the novel bioskills lab, the training and education center features:

• A 116-seat auditorium with live-stream, two-way communication and broadcasting capabilities within the institute’s 22 operating rooms
• Conference rooms, classrooms and board rooms
• A dedicated proctor station with 15 in-room training monitors

During its first year, the center trained more than 1,000 surgeons and 200 first responders, and offered over 150 labs, including 35 orthopedic labs for residents and fellows, plus 125 labs sponsored by industry professionals.

“The feedback on the facilities and the efficiencies have been amazing, and the educational component has driven a lot of industry interest for the facility,” says Dr. Haidukewych. “The center has been a resounding success and exceeded our expectations in every way.”