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As surgical education advances, the integration of technology has opened new doors for training and proficiency. We had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Ruben De Groote, CEO of 4Health Belgium and its digital learning platform, Surgquest. Dr. De Groote, a renowned consultant urologist at OLV Hospital in Aalst, Belgium, shared insights into his innovative approach to surgical training and the benefits of remote technology. This interview delves into how remote technology empowers Dr. De Groote to achieve more in surgical education, the transformative impact of Surgquest, and the future of surgical training.
Expanding Reach and Access
Dr. Ruben De Groote’s vision for Surgquest is rooted in continuous surgical education across various specialties, with a strong emphasis on urology. “Surgquest is a digital learning platform designed to enhance surgical proficiency through three main pillars,” he explains. Remote technology allows him to reach a global audience, breaking geographical barriers and making high-quality surgical training accessible to more people than ever before.
The first pillar includes Live Surgical Events (WRSE), divided into two types: the WRSE 12-Hour Surgical Marathons, held several times a year, and the WRSE 9am Sessions, conducted twice a week from the OLV Hospital Aalst. Both events are highly interactive, allowing participants to watch live surgeries and engage directly with operating surgeons.
“The WRSE 12-Hour Surgical Marathon involves surgeons from around the globe performing operations at their respective centers, broadcasted live on our platform. With free registration, it attracts a worldwide audience,” the doctor notes. The WRSE 9am Sessions feature shorter, biweekly live surgical broadcasts using the Medtronic’s HUGO robotic system, with participants interacting live with the operating surgeon. “These sessions have grown in popularity, starting with 10-15 attendees and now attracting around 75 participants per session,” he adds.
Enhancing Interactive Learning
The second pillar of Surgquest is dedicated webinars focusing on various surgical topics and techniques. These webinars provide a platform for in-depth discussions across different specialties, enhancing the learning experience for participants.
The third pillar is a high-level digital library. “We provide access to recordings of all our events and a Hall of Fame library featuring top surgeons explaining surgical procedures. This library aims to be the ‘Spotify of surgical videos’ with a guarantee of high-quality content,” he continues. Unlike other mainstream platforms, Surgquest ensures that the content is scientifically validated and of the highest quality, making it a reliable resource for surgical training.
Collaborating with MedTech for Better Outcomes
Dr. De Groote highlights the significant benefits of their collaboration with MedTech companies. “Companies, aiming to position and improve their products, benefit immensely from our virtual education sessions. Our high-volume use of their systems allows them to showcase their capabilities effectively,” he explains. These sessions also provide valuable feedback from surgeons, which engineers can use to improve their systems. “The unique aspect of these sessions is the direct interaction between the surgeons and engineers, fostering immediate feedback and learning without the need for physical presence in the OR,” he emphasizes.
Democratizing Knowledge
“The primary benefit of remote technology is that it democratizes knowledge,” he states. “Our sessions attract viewers from across the globe, including regions without access to advanced robotic surgery. This broadens the reach of surgical education and advanced surgical technologies significantly.” Additionally, remote training reduces the environmental impact and costs associated with travel. The ability to host large numbers of participants remotely also enhances the learning experience, allowing for better engagement and interaction.
A key aspect of this democratization is that registration for Surgquest is free of charge. Dr. De Groote believes that removing financial barriers, or keeping them very low, is essential for providing equal access to high-quality surgical education.
Elevating the Learning Experience
Studies indicate that medical students often find remote training more satisfactory than in-person observation. “In the OR, students are usually positioned far from the surgical field, limiting their learning experience. Remote training, with its superior visual and audio quality, allows students to see and hear everything clearly, enhancing their understanding and retention,” Dr. De Groote explains. For proctoring, he finds remote training at least as effective, if not better, than traditional methods.
“Expanding our online offerings is crucial. Both young and experienced surgeons benefit from access to high-quality, live surgical training. It provides an opportunity for continuous learning and skill enhancement,” he notes. This approach is essential in a field that constantly evolves with new techniques and technologies.
Building the Future of Surgical Training
Looking ahead, Dr. De Groote’s vision for Surgquest is ambitious and forward-thinking. “Our vision is to become the leading surgical learning platform globally,” he states. In just two years, Surgquest has built a community of 3,500 surgical users, with a significant portion revisiting the site regularly. “We aim to cover all surgical specialties to cater to a broader audience. Our goal is to provide daily live surgery broadcasts, ensuring continuous and accessible surgical education,” he explains.
Conclusion
Dr. Ruben De Groote’s pioneering work with Surgquest and the integration of advanced remote technologies like Rods&Cones is transforming surgical education. By democratizing access to high-quality training and leveraging the latest technology, Surgquest is setting new standards for surgical proficiency and patient safety. As they continue to expand and innovate, the future of surgical training looks incredibly promising, benefiting both healthcare professionals and patients worldwide.
Interested in exploring the Rods&Cones remote services that Surgquest uses? Book a free demo today!