MODULE I:
SURGERY I AND II
This module covers all the different surgical specialties, affording the student an opportunity to understand the process which brings patients into the operating room; i.e.: symptoms, clinical features, and principles of treatment. Each chapter covers various treatment options and particular surgeries for a given situation. The module includes chapter quizzes, along with two module exams.
MODULE II:
PERIOPERATIVE MICROBIOLOGY
This Module consists of three main components: fundamental concepts in microbiology and infection, major clinical syndromes corresponding to the clinical specialties, and supplementary chapters on bacteriology, virology, parasitology, mycology, and entomology, with notes on laboratory tests and antibiotics. Since different students learn in different ways, this module has been written to accommodate different learning approaches. As a basic course in microbiology all chapters are self contained units, complete with problem solving, self Assessment, and an outline for more detailed reading.
MODULE III:
PHARMACOLOGY
This module (1) blends the essentials of basic pharmacology and clinical pharmacology so that the transition from classroom to hospital is less abrupt, (2) organizes related drugs in tables, and (3) allows the student to learn about a prototype drug and the important ways that related drugs differ. The text that surrounds the tables emphasizes key issues pertaining to therapeutic rationale, basic pharmacologic principles, and clinical use of drugs.
MODULE IV:
ANESTHESIA, METHODS AND AGENTS
This module covers the basics of anesthesia, as well as the different methods and the agents used, along with their relation to surgical circumstances. It also covers the ASA classification system.
MODULE V:
BIOSCIENCE
This module offers instruction in surgical events related to wound healing and the integrity of the surgical wound. Also covered are different diagnostic tests and the relationship between those tests and the management of the surgical patient. In addition, issues surrounding the care and handling of surgical specimens, management of the critically ill patient, thermoregulatory devices, fluid balances and related issues and, finally, skin assessment are discussed in detail.
MODULE VI:
ROLE DEFINITION AND INTERACTION
This module deals mainly with factors that will result in positive team relationships, the practice of professional ethics, and the parameters of one’s specific role. Understanding that teamwork and interapersonal relationships are such an important part to the overall care of the surgical patient, this module seeks to identify certain possible crises and problem areas, then gives the student an understanding as to how he/she should deal with each given situation.
MODULE VII:
ETHICAL, MORAL, AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES
This module enables the student to understand different legal definitions and terminology, and to understand and identify OR situations that could lead to ethical conflict. Students also gain an understanding of appropriate (and legal) decision-making, as well as what establishes negligence, basic patient and caregiver rights, OR incidents that could result in litigation, and problems peculiar to the surgical first assistant’s role.
MODULE VIII:
FUNDAMENTALS
In this module the student will learn the basic fundamentals and the surgical fist assistant’s role in regards to monitoring devices, bladder catheterization, positioning the surgical patient, applying pneumatic tourniquets, proper skin preparation, drapes and draping, operative instrumentation, visualization techniques, hemostasis, postoperative pain control, and transportation of the critically ill patient.
MODULE IX:
WOUND HEALING, KNOT TYING, AND SUTURING
This module provides the student with principles and techniques, interactive didactics, and laboratory practicums, and examines and reviews wound healing and care, with specific focus on interventional techniques such as suturing, tying, and wound closure for a variety of injuries and incisions. Students will utilize the wound closure kit that is included with their course materials.
MODULE X:
SURGICAL PROCEDURES
This module will break down most major surgeries performed in the OR today. Each surgery listed in the text will be explained step-by-step, from skin incision through final closure.
MODULE XI:
COMPLICATIONS IN SURGERY
During this module, the student will recognize different surgical complications (hemorrhage, perforation of viscus or cavity, contamination, exposure, retraction, compression injuries, cardiac events, sudden hypoxia, sudden shock, interruption of surgical supervision, critical equipment failure and corrective measures, and how to initiate the appropriate course of action).
MODULE XII-XIII:
COMPUTER AND BUSINESS ISSUES WITH THE FIRST ASSISTANT
The student will understand the basics of computer usage in a clinical setting, as well as business issues relating to the surgical first assistant such as starting and running your own assisting business, insurance reimbursement, etc.