Welcome to the Goodman Surgical Education Center, where innovation meets education in the field of surgery. Robyn Foote, an education projects coordinator and simulation specialist, takes us behind the scenes of her above average Cube located on the third floor of 300p.

Robyn greets us with enthusiasm, despite sporting sunglasses from a recent simulation event that turned into quite the celebration. “We had a wild simulation last night,” she laughs, setting the tone for a lively tour of the center.

Our first stop is the classroom, a flexible learning space designed to accommodate various training needs. Here, residents engage in essential skills training, including central line placements, chest tube insertions, and arterial line procedures. The room is also utilized for FLS (Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery) and FES (Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery) practice, ensuring that residents are well-prepared for real-world surgical challenges.

“The Education Projects Coordinator is a dynamic and collaborative role that continually evolves to meet the needs of both the department and the center,” said Robyn. “On any given day, I might be coordinating a simulation-based training session, planning a retreat for trainees, or preparing the center’s budget and accreditation renewals. I’m also working with a group of incredible people—coordinators, faculty, residents, and fellows—who are all genuinely invested in creating an effective and engaging learning environment. Every workshop, event, and project feels like a chance to contribute to someone’s educational journey (including my own)!”

Next, we venture into the simulation lab, where the magic truly happens. “Excuse the mess,” Robyn says, acknowledging the remnants of the previous night’s festivities—a single suture pack. This lab is the heart of the center, hosting trauma simulations that prepare residents for high-pressure situations they may encounter in the operating room. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a state-of-the-art robot console and ultrasound machines, the simulation lab is a treasure trove of surgical training resources. “All the good stuff, all the good equipment,” Robyn emphasizes.

Robyn then invites us into her office, the largest in the Department of Surgery. “Dr. Hawn wanted it, but you know how it goes,” she jokes and comments on the “stellar view.” In actuality, the space is used by the two surgical education fellows, and the window looks into the lab space.

Concluding the tour, Robyn reminds viewers that the Goodman isn’t just her cube, “it’s all of our cube,” encouraging staff, faculty, and trainees to stop by and take advantage of everything the Center has to offer.