An intensive vascular surgical skills and simulation course for vascular trainees improves procedural knowledge and self-rated procedural competence

This intensive vascular surgical skills and simulation course improved procedural knowledge concerning index open vascular and endovascular procedures among PGY 1-2 and PGY 3-7 trainees. The course also improved self-rated procedural competence across all levels of training for open and endovascular procedures. Trainees rated the value of a surgical skills and simulation course highly. These results support strong consideration for the implementation of similar intensive simulation and surgical skills courses with ongoing objective assessment of their educational effect.