MEC ImpactReport 2023 flipbook - Flipbook - Page 20
Tomorrow’s experts
Training surgeons at a distance
George Saleh, director of simulation training at Moorfields, undertook a four month
sabbatical to further his previous research and clinical work and have dedicated time to
consolidate and advance his areas of interest. The charity supported this activity by ensuring
that his clinical service role was supported by a colleague to ensure continuity of care.
During his sabbatical he focused on two key areas: improving access to surgical training
simulators, and piloting a new AI tool that could support medical teams during surgical operations.
More important than ever
Virtual reality training has been shown to lead to better surgical outcomes, so one of George’s
aims was to broaden the number and range of surgeons that could access surgical simulators for
training opportunities.
Unfortunately, he had just started his sabbatical when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. With many of
his colleagues redeployed to help look after patients in intensive care or shielding themselves, he
volunteered to return to clinical work in order to support the NHS response to the pandemic.
By the time he returned to continue his sabbatical, improving access to surgical simulators for
training was more important than ever. Most surgical operating stopped during the lockdowns,
and many surgeons - newer trainees and seasoned consultants alike - would benefit from the
practice and opportunity to retrain their skills before returning to operating theatres.