Scaling Surgical Competence through Technology-Enabled Training

As minimally invasive and laparoscopic procedures become the standard of care across multiple specialities, the need for structured, hands-on surgical training has never been more critical, particularly beyond India’s metro centres. Access to consistent skill-building opportunities, simulation-based learning and exposure to advanced techniques remains uneven, especially for early-career surgeons in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

In this interview with MedTech Spectrum, Abhishek Bhargava, Senior Director, Medical Surgical, at Medtronic India, discusses the company’s collaboration with the Telangana State Chapter of the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI Telangana) to strengthen the state’s surgical training ecosystem. He outlines how blended learning models, endo-trainer workshops and simulation platforms are helping bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and operative execution.

Bhargava also shares how initiatives such as Mobile Surgi Skill Labs are expanding access to advanced training infrastructure, contributing to a more resilient healthcare system by building a future-ready surgical workforce capable of delivering high-quality minimally invasive care closer to where patients live.

What gaps in surgical training, particularly in minimally invasive and laparoscopic procedures, does this collaboration aim to address for early-career surgeons?

This collaboration is to empower young surgeons with the skills in surgical training for early-career surgeons, particularly in minimally invasive and laparoscopic procedures. It focuses on reaching surgeons in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across Telangana, where access to consistent hands-on training and exposure to advanced surgical techniques can generally be limited.

The initiative hopes to target challenges such as inadequate practical experience and uneven exposure to modern laparoscopic procedures. By strengthening technical skills, clinical decision-making, and the safe, standardised adoption of minimally invasive techniques, the program seeks to build greater confidence and competence among young surgeons.

The partnership between Medtronic India and the Telangana State Chapter of the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI Telangana) represents an important step in strengthening the state’s surgical training ecosystem. By combining Medtronic’s technological expertise with ASI Telangana’s academic and clinical leadership, the collaboration provides a structured training framework that will offer comprehensive, hands-on exposure to minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery, ultimately supporting better surgical outcomes and patient care.

How does Medtronic’s involvement go beyond providing technology, and what role do new-age surgical tools and simulation platforms play in improving hands-on skill acquisition?

For more than 40 years, Medtronic has lived its mission in India and is committed to healthcare skill-building. We pair innovative healthcare technologies with structured training support, expert-led workshops and continuous skill development programs that help surgeons translate theory into practice. New-age surgical tools and simulation platforms enable realistic repetitive learning in a controlled setting, accelerating hands-on skill acquisition while improving precision and confidence before operating on patients.

Can you elaborate on the blended learning model being used in this program and how combining academic sessions with endo-trainer workshops enhances real-world surgical readiness?

The program follows a blended learning format, which combines interactive academic sessions and hands-on endo-trainer workshops to help participants gain practical exposure to laparoscopic techniques. The program led by experienced faculty from ASI Telangana and other medical institutions will provide a tailor-made approach for the postgraduate students and young surgeons, ensuring high-quality, structured learning tailored to their respective careers.

The program integrates academic learning with hands-on practical training to better prepare surgeons for real-world clinical practice. Academic sessions focus on core principles, procedural knowledge, patient selection, and complication management, providing a strong theoretical foundation for minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery.

Working on simulation platforms allows participants to hone surgical hand–eye coordination, depth perception, and instrument handling skills in a controlled, low-risk environment. By combining classroom-based learning with practical skill-building, the model helps bridge the gap between knowledge and execution, enhancing surgical readiness, confidence, and consistency before a surgeon’s transition to live operating settings.

How do initiatives like this contribute to broader healthcare system resilience in India, particularly in improving access to high-quality minimally invasive surgery at the state and regional levels?

Initiatives such as this contribute meaningfully to strengthening the healthcare system resilience in India by building a skilled, future-ready surgical workforce. By expanding access to structured training in minimally invasive surgery at the state and regional levels, these programs help create a larger pool of surgeons capable of delivering safe, high-quality care closer to where patients live.

Standardising surgical skills and practices across regions improves consistency in clinical outcomes while reducing disparities between urban and semi‑urban healthcare settings.

Looking ahead, do you see this collaboration being scaled across other states or surgical specialities, and what metrics will be used to measure its long-term impact on surgical outcomes and workforce development?

This collaboration has strong potential to be scaled across other states and, over time, across additional surgical specialities.

With appropriate training infrastructure, a standardised curriculum, and strong engagement with state chapters of surgical societies, this model has the potential to scale and deliver wider, more equitable access to skill development for early‑career surgeons. Complementing this approach, Medtronic India has recently launched Mobile Surgi Skill Labs, bringing advanced, hands‑on surgical training directly to hospitals and medical colleges across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—eliminating the need for clinicians to step away from their practice.

The long‑term impact of this initiative will be measured by how effectively we can scale skill development across India, reaching a broader network of surgeons and care teams through a multi‑city training ecosystem. By continuously expanding this footprint, the program aims to translate improved surgical competency into elevated clinical practices and, ultimately, better patient outcomes.