Over the past year, in collaboration with education experts, Zimmer has developed a new approach to orthopaedic education - a complete spectrum of customized courses spanning Medical Education, Surgical Skills and surgeon-to-surgeon training.
The enhanced Zimmer Institute represents a shift in surgeon education away from the traditional, lecture-based course. Instead, the Zimmer Institute utilizes small, interactive roundtable sessions led by faculty. This learning model offers surgeons a more personalized approach to knowledge acquisition and skill development. Zimmer's new approach to orthopaedic training involves moving participants through a series of modules tailored to specific experience levels:
Knowledge Acquisition: Static online modules, annotated surgical techniques, soft tissue balancing manuals
Skill Development: Interactive computer modules, small group discussions at medical education events, lectures, video reviews, live surgery attendance, web-based live surgery events
Skill Enhancement: Cadaver-based Surgical Skills Training, intensive case study reviews, simulations, anatomical model workshops
Refinement: Online problem-solving activities, difficult case reviews, surgeon-to-surgeon visits
Zimmer Institute Medical Education courses are offered in one- and two-day sessions and focus on a select group of products and procedures. Modules are being developed for all primary and revision products within Zimmer's Knee, Hip, Extremities and Trauma market segments, as well as Dental and Spine. Customized curricula for individual surgeons make use of different module levels designed to match each surgeon's existing skill sets.
Interactive learning is enhanced through smaller class sizes, fewer lecture presentations and one dedicated faculty trainer for every ten attendees. Faculty members take participants through case reviews, surgical video reviews and hands-on exercises at their tables and in sawbones labs. Fewer lectures also mean shorter, more efficient meetings for surgeons which the Zimmer Institute offers locally, regionally and online. The Zimmer Institute's Medical Education events also incorporate new technology; flat-screen monitors and telestrators allow participants to interact with the course content and share information with their table or the entire class.
The Zimmer Institute is expanding its Surgical Skills Training course offerings in 2009. Typically held over 2 half days to minimize time away from family and practice, the Zimmer Institute's Surgical Skills Training courses involve interactive lectures, hands-on training through faculty-led demonstrations and experience performing procedures on anatomical material. The Zimmer Institute offers small Surgical Skills class sizes, with one instructor per four participants, guaranteeing that each participating surgeon has the opportunity to both perform and assist on procedures utilizing anatomical material.
The Zimmer Institute's enhanced model for orthopaedic training has so far been well received by surgeon participants. In the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region this year, surgeons have participated in courses hosted across the region from Dubai to Nottingham and Riga to Paris. In EMEA, the Zimmer Institute remains on target to train more than 2,400 surgeons in Medical Education courses this year, and more than 770 surgeons in Surgical Skills courses. Additionally, more than 300 surgeon-to-surgeon training visits will be arranged in 2009.
“We have had a spectacular last few months and the reception to the enhanced model has been fantastic,” said Dr. John Cresser-Brown, Director of the Zimmer Institute in EMEA. “We anticipate increasing courses across the EMEA region throughout 2010, and are also planning to introduce regular courses in emerging markets in the near future.”
For more information or to register, please contact your local Zimmer representative www.zimmer.com