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STAR Course

Surgical Teaching And Readiness (STAR) Course

Optimizing teaching in the OR with STAR (Surgical Teaching And Readiness)
A program by and for McGill Surgical Faculty

The operating room is a unique learning environment. Nothing replaces hands-on experience for residents and fellows. None of us would be here if it weren’t for the training we received from our mentors, and we all understand our special responsibility as academic surgeons in training the next generation. However, the balance between providing trainees the right amount of autonomy for their level, while ensuring patient safety, can be challenging. Add to the mix additional operational challenges - waitlists, cancellations, team composition, work-hour requirements and many others- these all can lead to missed opportunities for teaching and learning in the OR.

This is where STAR comes in. A new course designed by your colleagues at the McGill Department of Surgery specifically to enhance our teaching skills in the OR. Whether you are a seasoned mentor who wants to pick up a few new tips or a newer faculty member still finding that balance, whether your teaching evaluations are stellar or there is opportunity to improve, this course is for all of us!

STAR Course Details:

Type: In Person event
Date: February 8, 2024
Time: 13h-17h
Location: MUHC-Glen

REGISTRATION is NOW OPEN:

To register for the STAR Course please fill out the registration form.

You must login with your McGill credentials
Only surgical staff are eligible to enroll.
DEADLINE to Register is January 15, 2024

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Questions	Answers
1. What is the STAR course and what is its main goal?	The STAR course stands for “Surgical Teaching And Readiness Course.” It is designed to enhance your teaching skills in the operating room. The primary goal of the STAR course is to provide effective strategies and tips to improve teaching in the operating room, given the unique challenges of this teaching environment.
2. When and where is the STAR course taking place?	The course is an in-person event scheduled for February 8, 2024, from 13:00 to 17:00 at the MUHC-Glen
3. How is the course delivered, and what are the main components of the delivery?	The STAR course is a 4-hour highly engaging program with 15 staff participants (5 staff/instructor). It includes a plenary session, interactive sessions, video reviews of surgeon-learner interactions, proposing a teaching rubric, hands-on scenarios, and small and large group feedback sessions.
4. What can participants expect in terms of course content?	The course content is practical and relevant, closely linking theory to the practice of teaching in the operating room. It covers aspects like assessing the learner’s level, setting objectives, demonstrating tasks, providing timely feedback, and formative assessment.
5. What are some key theories covered in the course?	The course may touch on educational theories related to multiple learning modalities such as, emotional regulation, self-regulation, working memory, mastery learning, deliberate practice, and the zone of proximal development, but is meant to be a practical approach to teaching in the operating room.
6. Can participants seek additional clarification or engage in discussions during the course?	Participants can actively engage in discussions during interactive sessions, seek clarification or share their thoughts through the discussion board, and collaborate with the instructors and peers to maximize the learning experience.

Meet the STAR Team:

Melanie Aube Peterkin	Mitch Bernstein	Jason Harley
Kevin Lachapelle	Sarkis Meterissian	Melena Vassiliou
loana Fugaru	Araz Kouyoumdjian	Anne Yin