Top Gun 2023 (Links to an external site)

Each year, Washington University general surgery residents demonstrate their laparoscopic surgery skills in a local “Top Gun” competition at the Washington University Institute for Surgical Education (WISE). 

Asking the Big Questions (Links to an external site)

Before joining the General Surgery Residency at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, it was clear to Tiffany Brocke, MD, that the program trained not only highly skilled surgeons, but also leaders who are constantly asking the “big questions” to improve the field of surgery.

Introduction to Robotic Surgery Training at WISE (Links to an external site)

Over the past decade, advances in surgical technology have led to an increasing number of cases being performed robotically. Robotic surgery, like laparoscopic surgery, typically involves smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times than traditional open surgery.

FLS and OSATS Training at WISE (Links to an external site)

During residency, trainees at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis participate in a high volume of minimally invasive surgical cases, gaining valuable experience in the growing fields of laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Youth Outreach at WISE (Links to an external site)

On July 15, 2021, General Surgery residents Britta Han, MD, MSEd, Alston James, MD, and Kerry Swanson, MD, alongside Washington University Institute for Surgical Education (WISE) coordinators, participated in the BJC School Outreach and Youth Development’s 2021 Adventures in Healthcare Camp.

WISE Without Walls (Links to an external site)

Each year, the Washington University Institute for Surgical Education (WISE) Center welcomes a new group of interns with a surgical skills “boot camp,” cultivating important fundamentals such as suturing, knot tying and laparoscopic techniques. 

Hands-on Training in Endourology (Links to an external site)

Kidney stones are a common problem, affecting nearly one in ten Americans. According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than half a million people go to emergency rooms for kidney stone problems every year.

Single Port Robotic Training Comes to WISE (Links to an external site)

Robotic surgery is introducing opportunities for improved patient care. Similar to laparoscopic operations, robotic surgery uses smaller incisions than traditional open surgery, and a camera inside one of these incisions allows the surgeon to see the targeted anatomy.

WISE Reopening (Links to an external site)

The Washington University Institute for Surgical Education (WISE) Center is proud to welcome new and returning residents, faculty and staff to in-person trainings this summer.

Bringing WISE Home: Adapting Laparoscopic Technical Skills Training to the COVID-19 Era (Links to an external site)

The Washington University Institute for Surgical Education (WISE) Center plays an important role in the Department of Surgery’s Residency Programs. Surgical residents in the General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Urology, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Programs have access to a robust simulation and technical skills training component at the WISE Center.

History of WISE (Links to an external site)

For most of its history, surgical education has relied on the operating room as the main source of learning. Residents—who spent over 100 hours per week in the hospital—learned by observing and operating under supervision, taking on the cases and procedures that came through the OR.