The Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with the Integrated Clinical Simulation Centre (i‑CSC), successfully organised the East Coast Basic Surgical Skills Workshop & Competition 2026 on 19–20 June 2026.

This two‑day programme brought together medical students for an immersive learning experience designed to strengthen fundamental surgical competencies through simulation‑based training and competitive skills assessment.

Conducted by experienced surgeons from the Department of Surgery, the workshop focused on three core surgical skill components:

• Knot Tying
• Suturing Techniques
• Basic Laparoscopy

Participants engaged in structured hands‑on training sessions using simulation equipment and surgical skills trainers, enabling them to develop precision, dexterity, hand‑eye coordination, and confidence in performing essential surgical tasks. Throughout the workshop, facilitators provided guidance and constructive feedback to ensure participants practised according to established surgical principles and best practices.

A key highlight of the programme was the East Coast Basic Surgical Skills Competition, where participants demonstrated their technical abilities in a series of skills‑based challenges. The competition encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and techniques acquired during the workshop while promoting teamwork, professionalism, and continuous skills improvement.

The event also benefited from collaboration with student organisations, professional associations, and industry partners, contributing to a dynamic learning environment and supporting the advancement of surgical education among future healthcare professionals.

As a collaborator, i‑CSC provided support through simulation‑based training facilities and educational resources, helping to create a safe and effective environment for participants to practise and refine their surgical skills.

The successful organisation of this programme reflects the shared commitment of the Department of Surgery and i‑CSC towards enhancing clinical skills training, promoting excellence in medical education, and preparing future doctors for clinical practice.

Date: 18–19 May 2026
Category: Simulation‑Based Education | Clinical Skills | Standardised Patient Course

The Integrated Clinical Simulation Centre (i‑CSC) will conduct The Standardised Patient Management Course on 18 and 19 May 2026 as an internal sharing initiative for staff involved in simulation‑based education.

This programme is designed to provide a structured overview of how Standardised Patients (SPs) are managed within the unit to ensure consistency, quality, and educational alignment in teaching and assessment activities. The sharing session will cover the complete SP management process, from recruitment and training to performance monitoring, evaluation, and the application of moulage to enhance realism.

The programme consists of four core components that reflect key practices currently implemented in Standardised Patient management.

Programme Components:

• SP Recruitment
  An overview of the recruitment approach used to identify suitable Standardised Patients based on programme needs, role expectations, and learning objectives.
• SP Training
  Discussion on structured preparation of SPs, including orientation, case familiarisation, and standardisation of portrayal to support consistent learner experiences.
• SP Performance & Evaluation
  Sharing of practices related to monitoring SP performance, providing feedback, and maintaining quality and reliability across simulation sessions.
• Moulage
  Introduction to the use of moulage as a supportive tool to enhance realism in SP encounters, with emphasis on safety and relevance to learning outcomes.

The programme will be conducted over two days to allow focused discussion of each component and to support shared understanding among participants. This initiative reflects i‑CSC’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards in simulation‑based teaching and clinical skills education.