What is Baylor Laparoscopy Lab?

Baylor Laparoscopy functions as a student-led course under a two-semester curriculum. In the first semester, TAs expose students to the field of laparoscopy through certified surgical lecture material redesigned to accommodate the knowledge base of Baylor freshmen. Students also get to train on their own laparoscopic surgical box with which they gain proficiency in the same exercises used by surgical residents. Students proficient in their knowledge of lecture material and practical box capabilities earn Baylor’s “Certificate of Undergraduate Laparoscopy,” the only one of its kind in the nation.

During the first semester, students will design a research study pertaining to the surgical field. Students are placed in small research groups and given a research mentor (RM) who will help guide them. The second semester shifts the focus of the course to research. In the spring, students will use their fellow classmates as subjects in gathering data, and write a full research paper and design a poster which they will present at Baylor’s Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience Symposium (CURES).

General Overview of what Laparoscopy Lab has to offer:

Undergraduate Research

Presenting at Baylor CURES

Valuable Mentorship

Medically-Relevant Curriculum

Laparoscopy Social Events with Earle Hall

Panels with Physicians, Surgeons, and Laparoscopy Alumni Medical Students

Relationships With Baylor Pre-Health Department and Faculty

Unmatched Leadership Opportunities Past Freshmen Year

Frequently Asked Questions

What is laparoscopic surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique within the abdomen of a patient. It is performed through the use of ports where cameras and other various instruments are inserted. 

When is the class offered?

The class will be held 2:30-3:20 pm on Fridays only.

What is the difference between this course and other Baylor classes?

This class is more of a tight-knit community compared to most of your regular science classes. Many of the students in the class, especially those that apply and are selected to serve in leadership roles past freshmen year, grow extremely close and become more of a family than a group of peers. It is an environment that encourages you to grow and learn alongside your peers through the mentorship of exceptional upperclassmen pre-medical students. Laparoscopy Lab TAs and RMs have won prestigious research awards such as the Goldwater, attend medical schools all across the nation, excel in their classes, and are well-rounded and involved individuals on campus who desire to mentor freshmen both as leaders in the program and as Baylor alumni.

Why should I apply?

This class is the only course of its kind in the entire country. Students gain access to medically relevant material, understanding the entire research process, and extensive leadership positions that are often out of reach for most undergraduate freshmen. This is a class that grows and molds individuals into better scholars and leaders, and it is an opportunity that is only available to Earle Hall freshmen. You only have one chance, so we would love for you to apply!

How does the application process work?

After the application deadline, the leadership team will read applications and invite students who advance for virtual interviews in late July or early August. These will be 30 minutes over Zoom with 2 Research Mentors (RMs). After interviews, students will be notified whether they are accepted or not.

How many students are accepted?

We have four Laparoscopy Lab course sections, each taught by two TAs with the help of 4 Research Mentors (RMs). Generally, each section is limited to 12 students.

Is this class just one semester? Am I able to take this course in the spring if I don't apply for the fall?

This course is a full-year commitment, so there is no spring application. 

What is the time commitment for this class?

1 hour in class on Fridays and about 1 hour outside of class each week.

Can I apply to the Surgical Skills Program and Baylor Laparoscopy Lab?

You may apply to both, however, you can only participate in one of the programs. The applications will both ask you whether you are applying to both programs, and if so, which one you prefer over the other if you are accepted into both. 

I'm not a freshman, but I live in Earle Hall, can I apply?

Unfortunately, this class is for freshmen only. 

Is this a difficult class?

Not at all, this course is meant to be a break from the other prerequisite courses you will be taking. It requires only about 1 hour of work outside of class each week. Other time will be spent meeting with your research team which is dependent on how your Research Mentor (RM) and group members coordinate.  

Who teaches this class?

This class is entirely student-taught. Former Baylor Laparoscopy students who were Earle residents and Laparoscopy Lab Research Mentors (RMs) teach the lectures and guide students through the course. These Teaching Assistants (TAs) are all juniors. 

What is taught in the class?

In the fall semester, Teaching Assistants (TAs) lecture on topics related to laparoscopic surgery, general surgery, medical ethics, and medicine. TAs and RMs also guide students through practical exercises that model the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery Techniques that surgeons learn. Students practice these techniques using a personal laparoscopic training box that is checked out to them. 

What does the research component entail?

Our students work with Research Mentors (RMs) to develop their own research projects (in teams of 3) that build upon the information that they learn throughout the course of the first semester. The course teaches students basic principles of research which allows them to design a question and write an IRB proposal. The second semester consists of experimental days for students to test their hypotheses on their peers, culminating with writing a research paper and presenting a poster at the annual Baylor Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience Symposium (CURES).

What kind of certification comes from this class?

Upon completing the exercises in the laparoscopic training box that each student receives, students will earn a Baylor Undergraduate Certificate of Laparoscopy. This is an excellent door-opener and conversation piece in your shadowing efforts and is evidence that you learned and completed several Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) techniques that those training to become surgeons do at a much more rigorous and developed pace. If you don't take this course, you will not have these opportunities until medical school or residency!

Do I have to have previous research experience to apply and be selected?

NO...we are looking for dedicated individuals who will bring something unique to their research team and the course. Do not worry if you have never done research. One of the goals of this course is to teach you how to do basic research at the undergraduate level.