The week-long masterclass beginning May 13 will cover several hours of live case observation, simulation sessions and proctor-led procedural training with experts.

The masterclass will also include personalized sessions with robotic surgeons via Dr.  Ahmed Ezzat Ghazi, Director of Surgical Simulation Training and the Division of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore; Dr. Jihad Kaouk, Director of the Center of Advanced Robotic and Image-Guided Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland; Dr. Sammy E Elsamra, Director of Robotic Surgical Services, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick and Dr. Arvin K. George, Director of Prostate Cancer Programs Associate Professor (PAR) of Urology, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Columbia.

Eight select surgeons will learn procedural techniques unique to robotic surgery and skill themselves on the simulated robotic platform as part of the 30-hour supervised and independent training. To master these techniques, they will get to observe and later successfully perform radical prostatectomy and retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy under the supervision of a proctor using the da Vinci Xi robotic platform.

The surgeons will learn to practice expert tips and tricks as well as learn to avoid and troubleshoot potential errors.

Announcing this robotic surgery pioneer, Dr. Mahendra Bhandari, Vattikuti Foundation CEO, said, “The Brady-Vattikuti Robotic Academy Hands-On Masterclass in Urology is the first intensive capacity-building initiative to be guided by the most accomplished robotic surgeons in Urology.

“The training will enable practicing robotic surgeons from around the world to learn special techniques in prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy to deliver superior outcomes to patients in their home countries,” adds Dr Bhandari.

The Vattikuti Foundation, founded by Raj and Padma Vattikuti, is a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing healthcare, particularly in the realm of robotic surgery. Its activities encompass a wide range of initiatives aimed at promoting innovation, education and collaboration in this field.

The Foundation plays a pivotal role in supporting research and development efforts to enhance robotic surgical systems and procedures. It also fosters education and training programs for surgeons, medical professionals, and students, facilitating the adoption of cutting-edge surgical techniques.

The Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins University is a world-renowned center for urological care, research and education offering a comprehensive range of services for patients with all types of urological conditions, from common to complex.