The Toronto Neurosurgery PGY-1 Boot Camp

Education in neurosurgical postgraduate training programs have evolved significantly over the past decades, in parallel with advances in surgical techniques and image-guidance modalities. Integrating goal-directed courses to enhance the learning and knowledge of junior residents is paramount to success in the senior clinical years and in subsequent independent practice. Simulation-based exercises, hands-on cadaver dissection, and online educational materials for new trainees are all tools that are being utilized in most North American neurosurgical training programs. In this chapter, we present the University of Toronto experience in developing and implementing a neurosurgical boot camp for incoming PGY-1 residents, and discuss the practical details of formulating and running this course.