Advancing innovation in surgical education

The Research and Innovation in Surgical Education (RISE) program is a national leader dedicated to training the next generation of surgeons through innovative education, simulation and research, grounded in mentorship, collaboration and hands-on learning.

Support RISE

The Research and Innovation in Surgical Education (RISE) program in the Department of Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine is committed to training surgical education research fellows and establishing educational opportunities for surgical-bound trainees to become national and international leaders in surgical education, simulation and simulation-based research. RISE members design and lead educational research projects from protocol to publication, present at national conferences, develop and implement curricula and educational opportunities for trainees and participate in educational leadership in local and national organizations. As a nationwide leader in surgical education, IU School of Medicine continues to make strides in scholarly impact and outreach.

IU RISE surgical education fellows clockwise from top left; Nathan Behren, MD, Maya Hunt, MD, Noosha Deravi, MD, and Brielle Warnock,MD in the white coats standing ona staircase.

RISE Fellowship

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

Projects and Partnerships

Noosha Deravi, MD, holding an Excellence Coin Award presented by Matt Ritter, MD.

Publications and Awards

Thirteen medical professionals and trainees pose together on an indoor staircase in a bright, modern building. Three people in the front row stand closest to the camera, including two wearing white lab coats and one in a gray suit with a yellow tie. Others stand on the steps behind them, some in lab coats and others in business attire. All are facing forward and smiling.

RISE Team

"This fellowship is really the best of three worlds. You get research opportunities, teaching and simulation. It’s a trifecta. There’s a really strong sense of camaraderie among the RISE fellows… I felt very welcomed and had a strong support system with both residents and faculty."

Noosha Deravi, MD, MEd

RISE visiting fellow, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital

Dr. Lukowski stands at the front of a surgical skills laboratory leading the annual ASSET course. PGY-3 general surgery residents, dressed in surgical gowns, caps, and masks, are gathered around medical table stations equipped with surgical instruments, monitors, and overhead operating lights.

Surgical Skills Center

The Surgical Skills Center offers a state-of-the-art environment where learners at every level, from students to practicing surgeons, develop and refine their skills through hands-on simulation and deliberate practice, advancing technical excellence and improving patient care.

Learn more about the skills center

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

Through hands-on training, early exposure opportunities and continuous mentorship, RISE fellows equip medical students to grow from curious beginners into confident clinicians during their education, while giving surgical residents the chance to teach, lead, mentor and shape the next generation.

Learn about medical student education

Learn more or apply to the RISE Fellowship

Interested in research collaboration or participating in innovative education projects? Engage with the RISE team.

Apply for the RISE Fellowship