What began four years ago as a friendly “Anesthesia Olympics” has evolved into one of ICOM’s most anticipated hands-on learning events of the year. Now known as the ICOM Olympics, the annual competition brings together multiple student organizations, nine procedural events, and dozens of future physicians ready to challenge their clinical skills – and each other.
This year’s expanded event featured the coordinated involvement of six student clubs, each hosting a station aligned with their specialty. Participants rotated through nine different procedures that mirror real-world tasks physicians perform in fast-paced clinical settings.
- Anesthesia Club led stations in adult intubation, epidural placement, and lumbar puncture.
- Emergency Medicine Club challenged students with cricothyrotomy and central line placement.
- Surgery Club put dexterity to the test using laparoscopic ring trainers.
- Ultrasound Club guided participants through the FAST exam.
- Ob/Gyn Club facilitated simulations for cervical dilation and effacement assessment.
“I think it’s really important to have events like this on campus for students,” said Kolten Unrein, a second-year student at ICOM and Co-Chair of the Anesthesiology Interest Group. “It gets students involved and it gets them away from studying for a little bit. Even though they’re not studying, they’re still technically learning, and they’re having fun while doing it.”
Students competed in teams of three, with each teammate responsible for completing three events. Every station was scored on a 0-5 scale, and teams worked strategically to maximize their cumulative points in pursuit of the top spot and a coveted 3D-printed, hand-shaped trophy.
“Since you’re doing events that are designed to be hands-based, as they’re all hands skills, what could be more appropriate than an award that has two hands staring at you?” said Dr. Michael Gold, an anesthesiologist and adjunct faculty member at ICOM. “I thought it was right on target.”
This year’s competition crowned two winning teams – one from each class year. For the OMS-I class, “The Laryngeal Mask-eteers” came out on top, led by team members Danny Valley, Matteo Liebman, and Tanner Bradley. Among the OMS-II students, “Sleep Deprived but Certified” secured first place with a strong performance by Isabelle Bergonia, Ryan Bugsch, and Garret Basich.
As the event continues to grow, organizers are already looking ahead to next year — promising even more collaboration, challenge, and community for ICOM’s future physicians.
