The Weill Cornell Medicine Neurosurgical Innovations and Training Center for Skull Base and Microneurosurgery is a state-of-the-art educational facility that integrates meticulous cadaveric dissection, 3D visualization, virtual reality, and computerized simulation, providing advanced surgical procedure and visuospatial skill training for neurosurgeons to treat complex skull base lesions.
The Neurosurgical Innovations and Training Center was established in 2010 by Dr. Philip Stieg and Dr. Antonio Bernardo. Today the lab facilitates unique training opportunities not only for our own residents but for neurosurgeons around the world who attend lectures and continuing medical education courses in-person and via international teleconferencing sessions. Dr. Bernardo developed the unique Interactive Virtual Dissection (IVD) technology that allows Neurosurgical Innovations and Training Center students to study and practice transpetrosal approaches and other cranial base surgical techniques in 3D simulation.
FAQs
The Surgical Innovations Lab offers a unique one-on-one training opportunity for residents, fellows and surgeons who wish to gain a deeper understanding of skull base neurosurgery. This five-day, hands-on dissection course, taught by Dr. Antonio Bernardo, features skull base approach, surgical anatomy and microsurgical technique instruction, and may be customized to an individual surgeon’s preferences. This individual training course is offered throughout the year. To learn more about this course or to inquire about scheduling and pricing options, contact us: skullbasecourses@med.cornell.edu.
The Surgical Innovations Lab accepts fellows and students from all over the globe, hosting individuals from more than 30 countries to date. We do not require that applicants possess U.S. citizenship. Research Fellowship applicants are not required to have taken the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam or possess certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). We do not provide visa sponsorship for foreign fellowship or medical student application. Visitor Visa Classification
Interactive Virtual Dissection (IVD), a unique technology developed by Dr. Antonio Bernardo, allows trainees to study and practice transpetrosal approaches and other cranial base surgical techniques via 3D simulation.
Our Surgical Innovations Laboratory for Skull Base Microneurosurgery features stereoscopy and three-dimensional representation to improve trainees’ conceptual grasp of complex anatomy, and to practice procedures in a safe environment where mistakes need not lead to dire consequences.
We offer a voluntary research fellowship, of variable duration from three to six months, to train neurosurgeons to care for patients with skull base pathologies. This training is available for senior neurosurgery residents, as well as for neurosurgeons who have completed their residency and would like to pursue specialized training in skull base microneurosurgery. Candidates are encouraged to apply two years in advance of their requested fellowship. Skull Base Microneurosurgery Fellowship Training
The Surgical Innovations Laboratory for Skull Base Microneurosurgery is home to a wide variety of training opportunities, including a medical student neuroanatomy elective, fellowship-level training and up to four hands-on dissection courses per year. These courses are attended by an international student body that includes residents, fellows, young neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists and experienced surgeons seeking to enhance their skills and learn the latest, most advanced techniques in our three-dimensional lab setting. Surgical Innovations Lab Education
Our hands-on Surgical Approaches to the Skull Base course is conducted twice per year, usually in April and December, at the Surgical Innovations Laboratory for Skull Base Microneurosurgery. The course is notable for its 3D, interactive cadaver workstations, where participants watch cadaveric dissections and review surgical anatomy before and during their own dissection. Email the Surgical Innovations Laboratory staff for an updated calendar of courses: skullbasecourses@med.cornell.edu