The NIFA First Assist Workshop has been a fantastic experience. Dean, Bruce, and Keith are amazing teachers who also provide a comfortable and fun atmosphere. I have multiple years of experience as an orthopedic Surgery PA but at this workshop learned new skills and techniques that make me feel even more confident in my suturing. I would recommend this workshop to PAs of any skill level and definitely will be back for another workshop myself.

– Nicholas Moylan

Real-time feedback instruction from FAs of different backgrounds is truly invaluable. I feel that I’ve learned so many new techniques that I can see myself using every day for the rest of my career. I feel so much more comfortable and competent than when I started this workshop.

– Vivie Lee

The NIFA Fundamentals of First Assisting for the PA workshop is the perfect start for beginners and new graduates going into surgery. It focuses on perfecting the basics in suturing, knot tying, and different types of wound closures, Dean, Keith, and Bruce were all essential in breaking us into small groups for one-on-one focus, tracking our technique, and providing helpful tips and tricks. Their experiences and trial /error moments aided in their productive teaching styles, making it a fun and enjoyable learning experience for everyone in the class.

– Julia Gillow

I gained a lot of new skills and feel significantly more confident in my assisting skills after attending. There were bad habits that I have developed and was able to get those corrected as well. It gave me an additional understanding of why things are done the way they are, which will help with the retention of these new skills as I go back to my day-to-day. The class size was small with three instructors, so I was able to get a lot of one-on-one instruction. I would recommend this course or experienced PAs as well as new grads.

– Melissa Mullens

NIFA’s two-day course was a comprehensive and fast-paced way to practice skills I use in the OR. Being able to solidify suturing techniques in a low-pressure environment made me comfortable to ask questions, make mistakes, and correct those mistakes. The materials used in this course better replicate human tissue than typical practice materials. The instructors are patient, kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly experienced. They helped build confidence in myself and my skills. I would highly recommend this course to any and all PAs looking to expand their toolbox in a supportive setting.

– Kara Izzo

This two-day workshop was a fantastic review of Surgical fundamentals. The instructors were great at adding personal experiences and techniques to the instruction. They were energetic and gave instruction to the class as well as individually. The supplies provided by NIFA to practice technique were great at simulating both the OR and the various layers of skin fascia and muscle. I am grateful to have taken this course and look forward to using the learned skills to provide excellent care to my patients.

– Emily Krause

Fantastic course that reinforces fundamentals and builds with advanced techniques/skills from highly trained and experienced clinicians. Exceeded expectations and helped me gain confidence with various scenarios that may be encountered in the OR with added tools in the toolbox. Highly recommend for PAs who are new to an OR setting!

– Nathan Bates

As a PA who only goes into the OR twice a month, this class was helpful to build my confidence with knot-tying, suturing, and even holding instruments. I would recommend this class to PAs new to surgery or wanting more practice with the above. All of the instructors were helpful with answering our questions and giving tips and tricks!

– Erin Moorefield