As a leader in orthopaedic trauma, DePuy Synthes is committed to helping surgical trainees gain experience with the techniques and procedures that support the safe and effective use of its products.   That’s why, through the Johnson & Johnson Institute, it is rolling out a comprehensive education and training program for surgical trainees in EMEA.  Offering both in-person and online learning, the modular program takes a structured approach to help trainees increase their knowledge and skills, but is also flexible enough to be customized to local needs.  

“Our goal was to standardize how we deliver advanced product training to the trauma surgeons of tomorrow, and by doing that, elevate the quality of the education we provide,” said Howard Jones, Trauma Professional Education Manager.  “This program will do that and help us to bring a more consistent learning experience to surgical trainees in the UK and across Europe.” 

The Future Leaders Trauma Program combines in-person workshops -- which broaden the learning environment outside the operating theatre -- with the enhanced speed and accessibility of online learning and virtual reality (VR) modules.   Following are highlights of three components:

In-Person Workshops 

There are 10 workshops designed to provide a comprehensive skills-based learning opportunity around a specific anatomical region.  Each workshop, whether it focuses on the proximal femur or the wrist, is scheduled to take around 2.5 hours and will follow the same format to ensure a consistent learning experience.  These in-person events will be held regularly at trauma centres in the UK and across Europe. 

On-line Learning Program 

Surgical trainees can work through online courses, which are specific to each of the 10 in-person workshops, in the Future Leaders Online Learning Curriculum.   The resource offers anywhere, anytime educational opportunities for surgical trainees across a variety of clinical topics, including an online curriculum around wound closure.  Trainees can track their learning progress and print out a course transcript reflecting all the work that has been accomplished.  

“The Future Leaders Program offers holistic and relevant training for our Royal Free London Orthopaedic Registrars. The combination of online modules and in-person workshops provides numerous opportunities for learning and development, and can be tailored to their specialty of interest,” said Mr. Akash Patel, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Royal Free London NHS Trust. “The format of the in-person workshops is not only product focused but allows a member of the department to present a clinical overview of the topic in question, sharing their experiences and learnings with peers to better prepare for the future. The introduction of the program has provided value to the department in many ways, and we look forward to continuing with the program for the foreseeable future.” 

VR Reality Training

The JNJ Institute believes the future of surgical training is powered by technology, and that VR provides a safe and realistic environment to learn.   That’s why this new program incorporates VR Training modules that feature instruments and implants simulating various trauma procedures.   This allows users to learn by doing and build muscle memory with training runs before they even step in the OR.   The current offering includes VR modules focused on procedures for fracture treatment of the lower extremities.  Additional modules for other trauma procedures are expected in the coming months. 

“We believe the best patient outcomes are achieved when surgeons have the right products along with the knowledge to use them safely and effectively,” said Fabian Jäggi, EMEA Education Solutions Lead for Trauma. “As the pace of medical innovation continues to accelerate, it is increasingly important to expose surgical trainees early on to the techniques and technology that will advance care for orthopaedic trauma patients in the future.”

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