As the SOS role continues to expand, there is a growing need for continuing education and career advancement opportunities to support workforce retention and sustainability. Surgical simulation in particular, necessitates proficiency in a distinct set of professional activities (PAs), such as cadaveric tissue preparation, anatomical modelling, and task trainer development, that often extend beyond those essential for SOS practice. Targeted course offerings are therefore necessary to prepare SOS for the unique technical, operational, and pedagogical demands of surgical education.
To inform the development of such offerings, my work aims to define the competencies (encompassing knowledge, skills, and attitudes) essential for SOS practicing in surgical education, map these competencies to PAs, and translate them into a structured micro-credential course outline that delineates learning objectives, competency scaffolding mechanisms, course content, and high-level assessment strategies designed to prepare SOS to transition into surgical simulation environments.
The questions guiding my work are:
- Which competencies and PAs are essential for SOS practicing in surgical simulation environments?
- How can a micro-credential course be designed to progressively scaffold competency development and readiness for surgical simulation practice?
Through a comprehensive literature review, expert engagement, and iterative co-design process, my work will result in a structured micro-credential course outline that prepares STEPS graduates and experienced SOS for surgical simulation practice, while providing a clear pathway for career advancement and continuing education.
