The UNC Department of Anesthesia Pain Fellowship held their first annual simulation workshop on August 25th. Drs. Jowza and James brought the new pain fellows together to run simulations of common situations they would be experiencing throughout their careers.
The fellows experienced mixed modality simulations that combined task trainers, mannequin simulator, and standardized patients or staff. These simulations focused on the team’s ability to recognize difficult situations, communicate with patients and staff, and manage a crisis. The simulation debriefing allowed team members to gain a new perspectives, question policies and procedures that are new to them, and reflect on their performance in these difficult situations.
This inaugural pain simulation workshop was held for fellowship class of Drs. Fraser (Emory), Irons (UAB), and Roden (MUSC). The team experienced the “surprisingly high fidelity” event was an excellent supplement to their learning. Dr. Jowza felt “the sessions helped bring to light some of the intangibles of being a physician in practice.”
The fellowship in pain was created by the Department of Anesthesia in the early 90s (accredited in 1996) to meet the growing needs of North Carolinians. The program accepts three fellows each year with primary residency training in either Anesthesiology, Neurology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, or Psychiatry.
For more information about the fellowship, please click here or contact the fellowship Director Dr. Bobby Wunnava.