Author: jamalross

Junior Doctor Surgical Group

Unlocking the Potential of Kinaesthetic Intelligence through Simulation

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to present my research on kinaesthetic intelligence, drawn from a comprehensive longitudinal study, at the Annual Simulation Conference held at Queen’s University Belfast. This event provided an invaluable platform to share insights, network with fellow professionals, and explore the untapped potential of simulation as a teaching modality. Despite its…
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Game-Based Learning: A New Frontier in Medical and Surgical Education

Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of education, game-based learning has emerged as an innovative and effective method of teaching. This approach, which incorporates elements of play and competition, has shown promise in various fields, including medical and surgical education. The Power of Game-Based Learning Game-based learning leverages the natural human propensity for play and competition.…
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Does Course-based learning actually work?

In 2005, an intriguing study aimed to explore the impact of microsurgical workshops on trainees’ skillsets. During the course, the majority of surgeons (60%) demonstrated an enhancement in their microsurgical skills. However, some candidates remained static or experienced skill deterioration. Attending the microsurgical training workshop led to improved skills for most trainees. Furthermore, in-course assessments…
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Approaches to Learning Anatomy

We’ve all been there..slugging our way through a Greys anatomy textbook trying to learn crucial anatomy for that upcoming exam or sifting through thousands of QBanks for high-yield questions. Over the years, we’ve become increasingly interested in medical and surgical education and therefore developed a prize-winning virtual neuroanatomy platform in 2022. From that project, we…
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So you want to be a robotic surgeon?..then become a skilled laparoscopic surgeon first

Once you`ve tried a surgical robot like Davinci Xi, it becomes immediately obvious that this technology should be the gold standard and offers surgeons more degrees of freedom and dexterity. For junior doctors, one of the difficulties in getting a “head start” in robotic surgery is a lack of training opportunities. Sure there are national…
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Endosuturing and Tissue approximation in Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic suturing is used for approximation of tissues and it is also an effective way of providing haemostasis. Suturing for haemostasis and reformation of anatomic structures has long been considered one of the most demanding endoscopic technical skills. Endoscopic procedures are performed by looking at a two dimensional monitor with up to 6 times magnification,…
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Is Theatre Time a Good Use Of Your Time as a Junior Doctor?

If you are an aspiring surgeon then this might seem like a bit of an odd question. You’re probably thinking “Well of course it’s a good use of my time”. Now, I can understand from a portfolio building perspective why one would want to increase their caseload in order to be more competitive when applying…
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Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery (LESS) Simulation.

The development of laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery ( hereafter ‘LESS’) has led to a significant reduction of the number and size of incisions, thus providing aesthetic and physiological benefits for patients. Postoperative outcomes, recovery times, length of hospital stay, and related costs have all been impacted positively since its introduction. LESS possesses all of the constraints…
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The Power of Simulation

Simulation is a widely used tool in the aviation industry and allows pilots and pilots in-training to gain the cognitive and tactile knowledge to deal with flying in a range of scenarios and adverse conditions. Trainee pilots will intentionally simulate engine failures and other onboard emergencies to improve their problem solving skills. Furthermore, this can…
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TD Laparoscopic Method

We are currently exploring an interesting approach to laparoscopic training which focuses on task decomposition for surgical skill acquisition. This method of training is effective at improving fluidity and dexterity. We focus on economy of movement and improving technique in a modular fashion and then finally stitching these techniques together. This approach is similar to…
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