Microsurgical training: the Italian experience

The Italian Society for Microsurgery (SIM, Società Italiana di Microchirurgia) developed a 5 steps training program for surgeons from different specialties who want to learn microsurgery as part of their practice. This 5 steps program has been established in 2013 and each course has a unique program and its own logo. Presently, there are 10 basic courses in Italy recognized by the SIM in Italy. The basic courses have a theoretical part and a practice of at least 20 hours each, performed on an ex-vivo model. There are minimum requirements for each step must be competed to be able to move to the consequent exercise. At the end of the course, each student is evaluated following an extract of the GRS score. The advanced course is exclusive, it opens to only 20 students each year and involve 35 self-funded tutors. Тhe program stated by the Italian Society for Microsurgery is very comprehensive and gives the opportunity to young surgeons to learn many aspects of the microsurgical reconstruction.