Golden Scalpel Games®
What are the Golden Scalpel Games®?
The Golden Scalpel Games (GSG) is a surgical education and training competition run annually by HETI for medical students. The GSG provides senior year students an opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge, explore innovations in technology and practice in simulated environments. It consists of 8 stations each testing pertinent surgical skills, knowledge and teamwork. Each year, a team composed of 8 Phase 3 students and 2 reserves are selected to train and represent UNSW in the GSG.
Stations
Knot Tying & Instrument Identification
Participants will be required to complete a series of surgical knots. Participants will be asked to correctly match surgical instruments with a list of instrument names.
Laparoscopic Skills
Participants will be asked to perform simulated tasks using a laparoscopic trainer.
Plastering
Team members will be required to identify 2 fractures and select and apply an appropriate plaster. Plastering will be assessed on identification of fractures, correct choice of plastering and application of the plaster.
Management of a Contaminated Wound
Participants will be required to examine and assess a patient’s wound. Participants will be required to perform a surgical toilet and debridement of the wound, pack the wound appropriately, correctly select the instruments required to perform this task and answer questions relating to the clinical management of this patient.
Suturing Skills
Participants will be required to close two simple wounds, two gaping wounds and one z-shaped wound. The station will be assessed on use of correct and safe techniques as well as the quality of sutures.
Laparoscopic Anatomy
This station will test participants’ anatomy knowledge and basic laparoscopic skills. Participants will be required to correctly identify selected anatomical landmarks and relations in the abdomen and pelvis on a laparoscopic abdominal model.
Simulated Theatre
Participants will be asked to prepare a patient going in to theatre for an emergency operation. This station includes gaining consent, time-out, positioning, prepping and draping of the patient and then proceeding with the operation.
Trauma
Participants will role play the simulated assessment of a severely injured trauma patient. This task will involve primary survey, EMST principles and management of severe trauma.
Please note, the selection process for GSG 2020 has been postponed whilst we await more information regarding whether the competition will go ahead this year amidst COVID-19 concerns. We will ensure you have ample notice should the selection process resume.
Thank you for your patience.