SoftBank-backed Proximie launches virtual robotic-assisted surgery training course

Proximie, the health platform and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) have announced the launch of the virtual training course, starting in thoracic robotic-assisted surgery.

The initiative will democratise and widen global access to medical education and advanced surgical techniques.

Duration of Proximie’s programme

With the six-week virtual observership programme, healthcare professionals can remotely engage in interactive learning experiences – to understand the robotic-assisted surgery techniques.

Proximie’s telepresence capability will allow participants to watch thoracic robotic-assisted surgeries live and ask questions to GSTT’s operating surgeons – to build knowledge and obtain insight.

The platform’s content management capability enables participants to view, edit and annotate recorded surgeries, stored in the company’s content library.

Furthermore, remote healthcare professionals will also be provided with learning modules – increasing their knowledge of medical best practice.

The first observership programme will begin on October 16, 2023. It will be the first virtual robotic-assisted surgery programme in the UK.

A further programme will follow, beginning on January 15, 2024.

To date, most applicants are based in the Middle East, indicating the region is set to shortly receive an infusion of surgical knowledge about robotic-assisted surgery techniques.

Through the fusion of technology and surgical expertise from the past, present and future, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in operating rooms around the world.

Let’s record the future of healthcare, together.

— Proximie (@Proximie) August 10, 2023

The programme is open to overseas healthcare professionals who are not UK-registered and have an interest in thoracic robotic-assisted surgery. It is also aimed at the full surgical team. It will cost GBP600 per week (plus admin fees).

Dr Nadine Hachach-Haram, CEO and founder of Proximie, said: “We are delighted to pioneer the virtual observership programme in partnership with Guy’s and St Thomas’.

Thoracic robotic-assisted surgery is at the cutting-edge of surgical techniques. Sharing expertise globally will make a real difference in operating rooms and for patients, improving outcomes while making training more efficient and affordable.”

Andrea Bille, consultant thoracic surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’, commented: “We are proud to be partnering with Proximie to launch this ground-breaking new programme.

The company’s unique telepresence and content management offering is a key component of our efforts to improve surgical training and widen access to high-quality skills. We are looking forward to sharing insight into innovative thoracic robotic-assisted surgery techniques with the programme’s participants once the course begins in mid-October.”

Also read: UAE’s Laparoscopic surgeon opts for robotic surgery in Bariatric procedures