Britain’s largest conference uniting the reconstructive, aesthetic and non-surgical arenas announced a first-of-its kind ‘Surgical Training Dome’ will be unveiled at its event in London’s Olympia in October this year.
Providing essential, hands-on activities for surgical trainees who will receive continuing medical education (CPD) credits for attending, the Clinical Cosmetic and Reconstructive Expo (www.ccr-expo.com) has partnered with the Plastic Surgery Trainees’ Association (www.plasta.org.uk), offering members priority access to engage in some of the practical skills in their field.
The trade expo; boasting an Advisory Board which includes Chairman Norman Waterhouse who is the former Aesthetics Tutor at the Royal College of Surgeons of England and ex-President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS); takes place on 10-11 October and was attended last year by over 2,300 professionals.
This year, CCR Expo offers a unique opportunity not just for fully qualified surgeons, doctors and nurses to learn about the latest advances and techniques but now also flings open its doors to surgical trainees via its innovative ‘Training Dome’ in partnership with PLASTA.
The interactive exhibition allows for participation in especially-designed ‘pods’ tackling some of the relevant skills required in a plastic surgical career. Members of PLASTA get priority booking but all trainees around the country – at any level – are invited to attend for free.
Handpicked to establish and lead the training content of the Dome is reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon Jeyaram Srinivasan, a former Regional Surgical Advisor for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, part of its Faculty of Surgical Trainers and Tutor in Specialist Surgical Skills courses. He says:
“I’m thrilled to help design an innovative exhibition tailored entirely towards surgical trainees’ needs, providing them with the opportunity to engage in hands-on exercises that are essential to their careers. The Dome gives novice surgeons a chance to practise basic and advanced skin suturing, explore microsurgery techniques and participate in mark-up sessions on live models, taught by some of the most recognised names in the profession. They will also have exposure to the latest technology that assists in treatment planning – the Dome is a fantastic addition to the show, and I am sure will provide a great platform for attendees to learn, network and enjoy themselves.”
Surgical trainee Adrian Murphy, President of PLASTA, commented:
“PLASTA is delighted to be partnering with CCR Expo this year to support its new Surgical Training Dome, running within the event. The introduction of the initiative at CCR Expo in October seems an appropriate addition to its already wide range of features and will offer broad appeal to all surgical trainees, providing them with an exciting opportunity to gain new insights in to a range of techniques and approaches.”
The ‘Surgical Training Dome’ will run practical sessions for circa 50 trainees held twice in the day: morning (10am-12noon) and afternoon (2pm-4pm). The Dome offers five interactive ‘pods’, navigating a variety of skills and scenarios that trainees would encounter throughout their careers. These include:
• Basic to advanced suturing: Skin suturing is the most fundamental skill in plastic surgery; the Dome will have options to master basic techniques but also offers more advanced, practical tips to master suturing under tension and difficult situations.
• Microsurgery techniques: From managing hand trauma to advanced free tissue transfer techniques, microsurgical skills set plastic surgical training apart from other specialties. In the Dome, trainees will have options to practice / improve microsurgical suturing skills, with expert advice available throughout the session to enhance understanding of this crucial skill.
• 3D imaging: The use of this cutting-edge technology is becoming a useful tool for many aesthetic surgical procedures and will be demonstrated by seasoned professionals who use it regularly in patient education.
• Facial Injecting: Practical sessions on facial injecting techniques simulated on realistic silicone facial moulds. Using appropriate filler materials in aesthetically sensitive areas is a popular adjunct to many facial aesthetic procedures.
• Live Mark-up: Trainees will be able to witness leading experts explaining and demonstrating their marking techniques using live models. This allows for access to some of the best kept secrets of top surgeons’ thinking and technique for many aesthetic procedures – such as facelift, abdominoplasty, liposuction and more.
In addition, all attendees to the Surgical Training Dome will have the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win a free place worth £2,999 for another exclusive surgery ‘first’: the CCR Facelift Masterclass. This groundbreaking, invitation-only event is limited to 100 spaces and will take place in March 2015 at London’s Dorchester hotel. Its faculty boasts some of the most well-known facial plastic surgeons including three former BAAPS Presidents.
According to Norman Waterhouse, Chairman of CCR Expo’s Advisory Board and former Head of the Craniofacial Unit at Chelsea and Westminster:
“It’s no secret that hands-on training opportunities in aesthetic surgery can be hard to find in today’s demanding NHS schedules. Through the Surgical Training Dome we want to offer an interactive space with relevant activities that will be of significant value to trainees, whatever stage they might be at in their careers. Our partnership with PLASTA is a natural extension and we look forward to continuing to offer educational solutions of real relevance to the sector.”
According to Peter Jones, Chief Executive Officer of CCR Expo and owner of events company Nineteen Events:
“Last year was a resounding success and we wanted to widen our scope even further for 2014 – not just by providing a comprehensive, educational event aimed at consultants of today, but reaching out to the consultants of tomorrow. Our show offers this and much more so we’re delighted to join PLASTA in looking after the interests of future plastic surgeons in the UK.”
About the Clinical Cosmetic & Reconstructive (CCR) Expo
The Clinical Cosmetic & Reconstructive Expo (www.ccr-expo.com) is a groundbreaking business-to-business event that brings the international surgical and non-surgical community together under one roof. The first-ever expo ran from 11-12 October 2013 at London, Olympia and showcased over 120 international exhibitors, alongside 14 days of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) content, including workshops, conferences and live demonstration theatres, packed into an exciting two-day event. The next Expo taking place also at London Olympia has been scheduled for 10-11 October 2014 and will offer twice the space and workshop content.
