Medical training and a platform for scientific discourse
AFS MEDICAL has been organising training events for surgeons within the framework of the AFS ACADEMY since 2007. Some fifty workshops and hospitations now take place every year, whereby the AFS ACADEMY closely cooperates with leading Austrian and international surgeons. The primary focus is on colon and hernia surgery.
However, the AFS ACADEMY perceives itself not only as a provider of continuing medical training but rather as a platform for the exchange of knowledge between partners – both between experienced doctors in training and between developers of medical innovations and the users.
The focus is on scientifically based know-how transfer, the collecting of practical experiences and the open discussion of current issues – progress is only possible by means of mutual exchange amongst partners. The AFS ACADEMY courses are designed on a modular basis: the BASIC training course is aimed at surgeons who are still in training.
Events in the ADVANCED category offer specific training for specialists. The MASTERCLASS courses provide already experienced surgeons with the possibility of learning innovative techniques.
>> BASIC - FOR ASSISTANT DOCTORS / YOUNG SPECIALISTS
The BASIC training course consists of three modules, which for optimal results should be taken in sequence:
MODULE 1 - TRAINING ON A CADAVER MODEL
In this module, the participants gain practical experience on cadaver models on the topic concerned.
This module is organised as far as possible in cooperation with partners.
MODULE 2 - THEORY & PRACTICE IN SMALL GROUPS
The second module directly builds on Module 1 in the form of a workshop: in the theoretical part, experienced surgeons explain state-of-the-art techniques and provide an overview of current developments and innovations. The practical part consists of showing the application on real patients. In small groups (maximum of 6 participants), the participants have the possibility for an intensive exchange with the workshop leader.
MODULE 3 - MINI-FELLOWSHIP
In the third and final module comprising the BASIC training, only two participants in each case accompany an experienced surgeon for a minimum of two days during his everyday surgery routine, thus being able to directly gain practical experience and know-how for standard operations. There is also the possibility for two doctors and one qualified nurse/nursing auxiliary in a team to take part in these courses, since the operation setting for the techniques used is also covered.
>> ADVANCED - FOR SPECIALISTS
The ADVANCED training course is in the form of an intensive training for the purpose of learning modern RP/SIL techniques. The training courses are designed as mini-fellowships – i.e. 2 doctors (ideally complemented by one qualified nurse/nursing auxiliary) in each case accompany an extremely experienced surgeon for a minimum of 2 days during his operations (including "hands on" – according to the training).
>> MASTERCLASS
The MASTERCLASS training course provides the opportunity for a maximum of three participants per course to accompany surgeons – nationally or internationally, develop innovative operation techniques and already put them into practice (e.g. TAMIS).
CERTIFICATE & DFP POINTS
The training courses conclude with the awarding of an AFS ACADEMY certificate. DFP points from the Austrian Medical Association are recognised for these courses.
BECOME A PARTNER
The AFS ACADEMY already has the honour of including numerous prestigious surgeons as its partners. With the continually growing support and expansion of the partner network, the training courses and the possibilities for knowledge exchange are set to be further developed and professionalised in the future.
