About the Center for the Future of Surgery

At the Center for the Future of Surgery (CFS), surgeons and scientists are advancing surgical techniques by investigating, developing, testing, and teaching procedures that are revolutionizing the field of medicine. Since opening in 2011, the CFS has trained more than 40,000 individuals - from residents and medical students to surgeons, nurses, and industry partners - making it one of the largest and most comprehensive surgical simulation facilities in the world.

Our Facility

CFS is equipped with the latest surgical technologies and is designed to accommodate a wide range of lab formats—varying in size, specialty, duration, and participant needs. Whether hosting small workshops or large-scale training sessions, we offer flexible spaces and comprehensive support.

Our facility includes the following:

22 stations and towers across 5 fully equipped simulation ORs
15-station Microsurgery Suite with Zeiss microscopes
Hybrid OR featuring a Siemens Artis Zeego and Multitaction system for interactive media
Comprehensive surgical instrumentation and equipment supporting a wide variety of specialties
PPE and locker rooms provided for all participants
350-seat auditorium and conference rooms for didactic sessions
Onsite catering

Specialties

The Center for the Future of Surgery hosts training sessions across a variety of specialties including the following:

Anesthesiology
Breast
Cardiothoracic
Gastroenterology
Bariatric
Colorectal
Interventional Radiology
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Neurosurgery
Neurovascular Surgery
OBGYN
Ophthalmology
Orthopedic Surgery
Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery
Plastic Surgery
Pulmonology
Spine
Surgical Oncology
Transplant
Trauma
Urology
Vascular

Advanced Techniques

Visitors at the Center for the Future of Surgery train using advanced techniques such as:

Arthroscopy
Endoscopy
Endovascular Surgery
Fluorescence- Guided Surgery
Laparoscopy
Microsurgery
Robotics

Tour the Center

We have trained more than 40,000 individuals—from residents and medical students to surgeons, nurses, and industry partners— making it one of the largest and most comprehensive surgical simulation facilities in the world.

Video Tour

Annual Report

UC San Diego Department of Surgery delivers comprehensive, quality patient care that is responsive to the needs of the San Diego region; provides training and education for physicians and allied health professionals; and expands medical knowledge through clinical and basic science research. Our annual report features inspiring patient stories, educational highlights, research breakthroughs, and more.

READ NOW