Overview

Welcome!

The Centre of Excellence for Surgical Education and Innovation (CESEI) at Vancouver Coastal Health is an internationally recognized multi-disciplinary academic centre committed to achieving excellence in medical education and research related to educational technology.

In other words, CESEI is a high-tech classroom for medical students, physicians, nurses, Canadian Forces medical technicians and other health care workers. The subject matter ranges from basic patient interview skills learned by junior medical students to leading edge surgical techniques acquired by experienced surgeons. Over 2,000 medical staff and trainees use the initial 3,000-square-foot facility annually.

CESEI plays a vital role in the education of BC's physicians: about half of the medical students trained in BC stay in-province to complete their residencies. The specialized training provided at CESEI for residents also has an impact on the quality of care received by British Columbians, since approximately 70% of residents who train in BC stay in the province.

CESEI is at the forefront of efforts to combine technology and education in medical services. The teaching methods used represent a revolution in the way medicine is taught. Trainees have better access to a wider variety of training, larger groups can be accommodated, and trainees are able to practice procedures over and over again. In addition, a facility like CESEI eliminates the use of animals and human subjects in surgical education. Overall, trainees receive broader and deeper exposure to medical conditions, ensuring a higher standard of care for patients. In addition CESEI provides infrastructure for team training programs.

Tour the Facility

Click here for videos and photos from the Centre.

Organizational Structure

View the Centre's organizational chart