Suturing Olympics: A team-based approach to encouraging and assessing suturing competencies among dermatology residents

To the Editor: The COVID-19 pandemic precluded certain surgical opportunities for dermatology residents due to temporary mandatory shutdowns of nonessential procedures. 1 Danesh M.J. Porter M. Brag K. Salian P. Olbricht S. COVID-19 impacts on dermatologic surgery patients: a single institution experience. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021; 84: 1698-1699 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (4) Google Scholar ,2 Hamel R. Pollard B. Council M.L. Impact of COVID-19 on dermatologic surgery: experience of a Midwestern academic practice. Arch Dermatol Res. 2021; 315: 85-87 Crossref PubMed Scopus (6) Google Scholar This created an educational gap for dermatology trainees. Additionally, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education dermatology milestones assess general surgical skills, but lack questions pertaining to specific suturing techniques essential for adequate dermatologic surgery. We sought to bridge these gaps through simulations, as gamified objective assessments are shown to enhance skills among general surgery trainees. 3 Terhune K.P. Shelton J. Koller F. Surgical intern Olympics: skills assessment. Med Educ. 2009; 43: 1104-1105 Crossref PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar , 4 Aljamal Y. Saleem H. Prabhakar N. Abhishek C. Farley D.R. Group video feedback is an effective and efficient tool for enhancing skills of surgical interns. J Surg Res. 2020; 251: 248-253 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (3) Google Scholar , 5 Buckarma E.L.N.H. Gas B.L. Pandian T.K. et al. Catch me if you can...early simulation efforts affect fundamental surgical skill assessment scores. Am J Surg. 2016; 211: 583-588 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar This study was intended to develop a means to improve dermatology resident suturing skills in an engaging, motivational way.