Where surgical innovation and collaboration take shape

Through hands-on training programs, performance-focused curricula and strategic partnerships with leaders in industry and academia, the Research and Innovation in Surgical Education (RISE) Fellowship is advancing surgical education, accelerating skill development and shaping the future of minimally invasive care.

A medical student and fellow Nathan Behren, MD examine a robotic surgical device

IU RISE fellows celebrate with four fourth year IU medical students, holding up certificates, in the MISAS course.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for the Aspiring Surgeon (MISAS) course

This one-month, proficiency-based simulation course gives fourth-year medical students early training in laparoscopy, endoscopy and robotic surgery, which are skills typically introduced during residency. Supported by a grant from the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), the course combines didactics, hands-on simulation and nationally recognized certification exams (FLS, FES, and FRS) to bridge the gap between medical school and residency, accelerating surgical skill acquisition.

Resident Payton Miller is engaging with the Davinci robotic console.

Mental skills curriculum

The mental skills curriculum program is an award-winning, evidence-based program designed by surgical educators and performance psychologists to help surgeons manage stress and optimize performance in the operating room. Through eight modules, participants learn skills such as mental imagery, attention management and goal setting that have been shown to reduce performance impediments in high-stress situations. The curriculum is offered to IU School of Medicine general surgery residents and is expanding to practicing surgeons, healthcare professionals and external organizations through interactive training courses.

Explore the mental skills curriculum

Payton Miller, MD, points to a surgical simulation console while standing with four other trainees in a clinical skills lab. The group stands side by side at a row of laparoscopic training stations with monitors and handheld instruments, focusing on the equipment as they practice.

Medical student education clerkship

Practical training and mentorship in surgical education.

RISE partners with the clerkship program to support medical students through hands-on surgical skills training during orientation and advanced experiences in a minimally invasive surgery elective and Transitions 3 curriculum. The program also engages pre-clinical students through a surgery interest group while providing continuous mentorship across all stages of medical education.

Learn about medical student education

Strategic External Parternships

RISE collaborates with leading industry, academic and professional organizations to advance innovation in surgical education, research and minimally invasive care. These partnerships expand opportunities for trainees while driving improvements in patient outcomes, technology and interdisciplinary learning.

Purdue University
Since 2018, our collaboration with Purdue University’s Healthcare Ergonomics Analytics Lab and director Denny Yu, PhD, has explored the human factors shaping surgical performance, resulting in over 20 peer-reviewed publications and federally funded research support.

Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
Supported by SAGES, RISE’s MISAS program reflects a shared commitment to innovation, education and collaboration to improve patient care. The SAGES-funded Video-Based Assessment (VBA) fellowship advances the development of rigorous, video-based competency assessment and research in surgical education.

Intuitive
In partnership with Intuitive, we advance minimally invasive care through robotic technology, data-driven insights and collaborative innovation to improve outcomes, enhance care team experiences and expand patient access.

Applied Medical
Applied Medical fosters innovation in minimally invasive surgery through a collaborative approach, developing technologies that enhance surgical performance and improve patient outcomes.

Collaborate with us

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In The News

Surgery

Surgery clerkship team transforms rotation into a medical student favorite

From lowest-rated to top-ranked, the Department of Surgery’s clerkship team has reimagined the rotation into a student favorite at IU School of Medicine.

July 30, 2025