Global health technology platform Proximie and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust are preparing to launch a virtual training course in thoracic robotic-assisted surgery (RAS).
Set to start in October 2023, the initiative will democratise and widen global access to cutting-edge medical education and advanced surgical techniques. The six-week virtual observership programme will mean international healthcare professionals can remotely engage in interactive learning experiences.
The training will harness Proximie’s telepresence capabilities, allowing participants to watch live thoracic RAS and ask questions of Guy’s and St Thomas’ expert operating surgeons. By doing so the participants can build their knowledge and obtain insight.
In addition, Proximie’s extensive content library will be available to participants, where they can view, edit and annotate recorded surgeries to further their learning. Alongside this, interactive learning modules will support them to increase their knowledge of medical best practice.
Andrea Bille, consultant thoracic surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “We are proud to be partnering with Proximie to launch this ground-breaking new programme. The company’s unique telepresence and content management offering is a key component of our efforts to improve surgical training and widen access to high-quality skills.”
The programme – which will start on 16 October this year – is open to overseas healthcare professionals who are not UK-registered and have an interest in thoracic RAS. A further programme is set to launch on 15th January 2024.
Dr Nadine Hachach-Haram, CEO and founder of Proximie, said: “We are delighted to pioneer the virtual observership programme in partnership with Guy’s and St Thomas’. Thoracic robotic-assisted surgery is at the cutting-edge of surgical techniques.
“Sharing expertise globally will make a real difference in operating rooms and for patients, improving outcomes while making training more efficient and affordable.”
In another first from Guy’s and St Thomas’, earlier this year it became the first in the world to use the Versius robotic surgery system to operate through a patient’s mouth – known as transoral robotic surgery (TORS).