The ASSET course uses human cadavers to teach surgical exposure of anatomic structures that, when injured, may pose a threat to life or limb. A course manual is distributed to students prior to the course to provide an overview of surgical exposures in five key anatomic areas: neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis, and extremities (upper and lower). The one-day course follows this modular, body-region approach. Each section begins with a short, case-based overview followed by a hands-on exposure performed by students under the guidance of faculty. The student-to-faculty ratio is low, allowing extensive faculty guidance and interaction with students. The student assesses his or her ability to perform each exposure independently and is evaluated on knowledge and technical skills.