Catch me if you can⋯early simulation efforts affect fundamental surgical skill assessment scores

Background We evaluated whether early exposure to a simulation curriculum enhances acquired surgical skills. Methods The "Surgical Olympics" evaluates interns on basic surgical skills and knowledge. After the Summer Olympics (July), interns were randomly divided into groups: "A" participated in a 7-week curriculum once a week, whereas "B" attended 7 weeks of lectures once a week. All interns then participated in the October Olympics. The 2 groups then switched. Finally, all interns completed a January Olympics. Results Scores were tabulated for the July, October, and January Olympics. Mean scores (A = 182 ± 42, Group B = 188 ± 34; P =.70) were similar in July; in October, group A (mean score = 237 ± 31) outperformed group B (mean score = 200 ± 32; P =.01). Mean total scores in January (A = 290 ± 34, B = 276 ± 34; P =.32) were similar. Conclusions Early exposure to a surgical simulation curriculum enhances surgical intern performance in our Surgical Olympics. Subsequent simulation experience helps learners close this gap.