Neurosurgical
Clinical Research Unit
Our Clinical Research Unit, established in 2012, is the backbone of our residency clinical research, and is responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and tracking the residency’s scholarly activity. Under the guidance of the Research Director, the unit supports every step of our residents' studies, from the formulation of research ideas, study design, protocol writing, database setup, and statistical analysis to publication.
Using standardized, validated quality of life outcome instruments, our spine registry has compiled over 16,000 unique spinal surgeries and more than 60,000 patient encounters (2012-2020). The use of the registry has enabled continuing quality improvement in patient care and participation in quality improvement initiatives like the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement collaborative (MSSIC).
Van Elslander
Surgical Innovation Center
Opened in January 2015, the Van Elslander Surgical Innovation Center (VESIC) on our Novi campus is an advanced surgical training facility. Almost 10,000 square feet, the Center features a high-capacity state-of-the-art amphitheater with video conferencing capability within and across Ascension Providence Southfield-Novi campuses. The Center also houses fifteen laboratory training stations equipped with high-definition microscopes and video conferencing technology, a conference room with video conferencing capability, locker rooms, and a dining room.
Every year, integrating with our core curriculum, we hold multiple cadaveric workshops at the VESIC, demonstrating latest surgical techniques, medical technologies, and device applications in the practice of spinal, endoscopic, skull base, cranial, and endovascular surgeries.
Simulation and Education Center
Our Simulation and Education Center opened in September 2017. It is a 7,000-square foot facility located in the Southfield campus with advanced video-conferencing and presentation capabilities. The center consists of a procedural skills training room equipped with task trainers, high-fidelity simulation models, RoSS™ (Robotic Surgery Simulator), a virtual reality surgical skills training room, a simulated operating room and two team training rooms, two examination rooms, conference rooms, and a high-capacity classroom.
Microvascular
Teaching Laboratory
Located in Ascension Providence Hospital-Southfield campus, the microvascular teaching laboratory is an integral part of our microsurgical training for PGY-3, offering individualized training in microsurgical techniques (arterial, venous, neuronal anastomoses) using simulated models. The laboratory also holds microvascular workshop using live rat dissection. All microvascular training is given by neurosurgical faculty members fellowship-trained in cerebrovascular surgery.