A method and apparatus for calibrating a medical device operable in at least one axis of movement, such as a footpedal or footswitch, is provided. The design includes instructing a user to operate the device to a first predetermined position in a first axis of movement while concurrently monitoring movement of the device to establish a set of movement responses, prompting the user to indicate when the first predetermined position in the first axis is attained modifying the set of movement responses when movement response irregularities are detected, thereby establishing a modified set of movement responses, and employing the modified set of movement responses during a medical procedure.