A surgical training model for use in facilitating training a user of a surgical procedure. The model includes a holder member with a receptacle and an insert member configured for placement within the receptacle of the holder member. The insert member is modular relative to the holder member, thereby allowing a user of the model to dispose of the insert member following the performance of a surgical procedure. The insert member includes a portion of a human vertebral column, with the human vertebral column having an artificial bone portion and artificial soft tissue portion. The artificial bone portion and the artificial soft tissue portion are positioned proximate relative to each other to substantially mimic resistance of human vertebral bone and surrounding soft tissue. The insert member also includes a pathology structure that replicates certain disease or structural modalities. A method for manufacturing a surgical training model is also disclosed.