August 4, 2016--On Thursday, July 21, 2016 the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) dedicated the Sami and Anis Dandan Surgical Skills Lab. The ceremony was attended by members of the Dandan family, including former faculty Dr. Imad Dandan, Deputy Executive VP/Dean and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Dr. Ziyad Ghazzal representing EVP/Dean Mohamed H. Sayegh, Chairman of the Department of Surgery, Dr. Jamal Hoballah.
The Sami and Anis Dandan Surgical Skills Lab encompasses a state-of-the-art surgical simulation equipment designed to provide fundamental and advanced training for residents in a risk-free environment without the pressure that might be encountered in the operating room. It will provide trainees the opportunity to enhance their medical education and consequently ensure patient safety.
When first inaugurated, the Surgical Skills Lab was equipped with 4 laparoscopic FLS (Fundamental of Laparoscopic Surgery) toolboxes. These served residents by providing them the opportunity to train on basic laparoscopic skills that pertain to their surgical skills curriculum and comply with the American College of Surgeons Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery Curriculum. Recently, the lab was upgraded with state-of-the-art laparoscopic simulator that includes 13 training modules in addition to the LapSim Cholecystectomy, Suturing and Anastomosis, Appendectomy, Nephrectomy and the VitraMed UroSim modules. This renovation will allow AUBMC's surgical residents to be exposed to a wide array of surgical skills that would further enhance their training in endoscopic surgery.
Dr. Jamal Hoballah welcomed the attendees and acknowledged the Dandan family for their support and generosity and the major role they have played in supporting the Department of Surgery. He said, “Surgical simulation is playing a crucial role in surgical residency training today. The Surgical Skills Lab has been developed to allow the surgical trainee to acquire basic and even advanced skills in a less stressful environment without wasting valuable OR time or exposing the patient to avoidable risks.”
Dr. Ziyad Ghazzal thanked the Dandan family for their contribution which will help advance the vision and mission of AUBMC. “Our 2020 Vision focuses on competencies and specifically addresses teaching, learning, and assessment of technical skills using simulation and state-of-the art educational methods. The surgical skills lab will serve us best by utilizing a skills program in residency training where residents are given the opportunity to learn, practice, and improve on various skills in a stress free environment,” he added.
Dr. Imad Dandan expressed his pride in being a previous member of the Department of Surgery.” I have been privileged to be a part of this outstanding department and the achievements it has contributed to the field of surgery,” he added.
