Remote surgical support is transforming how surgeons learn, collaborate, and deliver care. To understand its real impact inside the operating room, we asked Professor Tan Arulampalam to share his experience using Rods&Cones and his perspective on how technology can strengthen both surgical confidence and global collaboration.
Below are his reflections on the value of presence, and the power of connection across borders.
What are the biggest benefits of using Rods&Cones?
“The biggest benefit using Rods&Cones for me was the ability to give confidence to the surgeon in the OR. And I think that is that presence, not necessarily instructions.
I think it is also the ability not to have to travel as the expert. That is great on many levels in terms of time and sustainability.
And I think it forms a community of surgeons, which is very, very powerful. So there is no closed door. There is no black box.”
How has it changed the way you work or collaborate?
“In terms of how it has changed my practice, how I collaborate, I am very much more open.
I am able to both give and receive knowledge much easier.
And I think it sets a standard of behavior in the OR. Having a bit of vulnerability as a surgeon and knowing that there is somebody who may be able to give you some really golden advice is really crucial.
So I think the key thing is it has changed my mental approach to surgery. And I think it does give all surgeons who are taking part in the program a great degree of confidence.”
Would you recommend it to other surgeons, and why?
“You are asking would I recommend it to other surgeons? And I would say, why not? It is a bit of a no-brainer.
You have expert advice, you have the ability to talk to a fellow surgeon. It can be a peer or it can be an expert.
So my question is, how would that interrupt your workflow? It only adds a layer of quality in delivering fantastic outcomes surgically.
And I think in terms of democratizing surgery, giving patients access to excellence, this is a great platform.”
Watch the full interview 👇
