Description
Danny Goel, an orthopedic surgeon at UBC and founder of PrecisionOS, presents a discussion on the future of hip arthroscopy and the role of virtual reality (VR) in surgical training. He opens by thanking the audience for the opportunity to share ideas on the evolution of surgical education, specifically how VR technology can enhance training experiences. Early in his talk, Goel highlights the challenges of traditional surgical training, particularly noting that inexperienced surgeons often perform procedures while still learning, leading to increased risks and complications. Goel illustrates this by referencing academic literature that connects the learning curve with surgical proficiency, emphasizing the need for improved training methods.
He explains the need to re-evaluate how many cases new surgeons execute per year as they often begin practice with little hands-on experience, identifying this gap as a contributor to surgical failures, particularly in hip arthroscopy, where inaccuracies such as incomplete CAM resections are common. Goel discusses perceptual expertise, or the ability of a surgeon to visualize and understand complex anatomy, which is a vital skill that inexperienced practitioners often lack.
Throughout his presentation, Goel provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of VR in surgical training, including comparative studies indicating that immersive VR training leads to better performance in identifying and addressing anatomical issues during hip procedures. He shares success narratives from PrecisionOS, noting over 4,000 healthcare professionals have engaged in their VR training programs, resulting in enhanced surgical skills and efficiency, as evidenced by reductions in unnecessary attempts to locate CAM lesions.
In conclusion, Goel asserts the promise of VR as an essential tool for advancing surgical education, advocating for its integration to not replace traditional training, but to enhance it significantly. He underscores the potential benefits VR holds for both current trainees and seasoned surgeons, ultimately aiming for improved patient outcomes through more effective learning. Goel thanks the audience for their attention and pauses for applause.