Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has become home to some of the latest cutting-edge robotic technology and international pioneers of robotic surgery, with the Society of Robotic Surgery (SRS) conference in full swing.
1400 delegates from 32 countries have filled the MCEC, to learn about the latest advances in robotic surgery technology and education from hundreds of the world’s top surgeons and medical experts.
Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Jobs Bronwyn Halfpenny officially opened the three-day conference on Monday, and today Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care and nurse the Hon Ged Kearney MP will address 50 nurses at the Nursing and Allied Health session.
“Today, our wonderful Victorian nurses and allied health professionals have a unique opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills by learning from leading robotic surgery professionals from around the world.”
Dr Vipul Patel, Executive Director of SRS, said the world's top surgical leaders will present more than 60 abstracts containing groundbreaking research, share clinical experiences, and engage in collaborative panel discussions and workshops that will help shape the future of healthcare.
“At a time when the world is facing the most challenging health circumstances in decades, this event will help guide the conversation around the transformative health outcomes associated with robotic surgical interventions,” Dr Patel said.
“Delegates are able to view live demonstrations, see first-hand the advances in the manufacture and development of synthetic organs, to replace the use of live animals and cadavers in surgical training, and listen to presentations from global health leaders on a diverse range of topics including the place of artificial intelligence in surgery and challenges that cyber security presents.”
Professor Tony Costello, founder of the International Medical Robotics Academy (IMRA) and one of the first people in the world to perform robotic surgery, addressed the conference, discussing the significant patient benefits from robotic assisted surgery.
“Robotic surgery devices are minimally invasive and increase a surgeon’s movement, precision and accuracy,” Professor Costello said.
“Robotic surgery is proven to reduce complications, readmissions, length of hospital stay and blood loss. There is also a reduced risk of surgical site infection. As more surgical robots are introduced to the market, it will become more competitive and affordable, ideally this will allow increased adoption of robotic technology in Australia and the further rollout of surgical robots in public hospitals.”
For more information about the conference, including a full list of speakers and agenda, please visit: https://srobotics.org/
To view the professional photograph gallery of key speakers and technology, please visit the dropbox.
Key Facts:
Surgical Robotics Industry Background
In global key markets including the US, UK, and European Union countries, robotics is being recognised as the future of surgery and surgical education.
Robotic assisted surgery is one of the fastest growing medical industries, the global market is set to reach US$21 billion in market value by 2031.
Australia was an early adopter of surgical robots and led the adoption of technology in early 2003.
Melbourne based IMRA is now leading the world in training surgeons to use robots and manufacturing synthetic materials and products to train surgeons safely and ethically.
About us:
About IMRA - IMRA is a state-of-the-art robotic surgical training facility in the Parkville Biomedical Precinct in North Melbourne. IMRA delivers innovative surgical education and training for Australian and international surgeons, specialising in robotic surgery. IMRA’s curriculum includes virtual reality, advanced simulation devices; locally manufactured anatomically correct synthetic organs; and educational courses, both online and in person, giving trainees a wide range of skills and experiences before beginning live surgery. IMRA houses robots and simulators from a wide range of vendors, allowing surgical trainees and qualified surgeons to perform cutting edge procedures in urology, colorectal, gynaecology and eventually for all surgical specialities. Robotic surgery devices are minimally invasive and increase a surgeon’s movement, precision and accuracy. Robotic surgery is proven to reduce complications, readmissions, length of stay, blood loss and surgical site infections.
About SRS - The Society is founded on the fundamental principles of education and collaboration, as a means to tackle the complex issues of robotic surgery. SRS is global, with each continent having its own board and input into activities. It is the pioneering spirit of members and the founding Board that makes this Society a success. SRS provides enormous possibilities in terms of international collaboration on multi-centric studies, database collection, fellowship training and funding support. We are an organization that will seek participation from residents, fellows and young faculty in the hope that we can assist them as they embrace robotics.
Contact details:
Emma Logan, emma.logan@secnewgate.com.au, 0450445935.
Michaela Cameron, michaela.cameron@secnewgate.com.au, 0429262799.