Intuitive and Vattikuti fellowship

1-year Program

There are two fellowship positions for one year

The one-year training in robotic surgery is a structured, stepwise approach similar to laparoscopic training but adapted for the robotic platform’s unique interface, technology, and ergonomics.

STEP 1

Foundational Education (weeks 1-4)

Goal: Understand robotic systems, surgical indications, and basic principles.
Includes

1. Components of robotic platforms
2. Docking Strategies and troubleshooting for arm clash
3. Ergonomics and control systems
4. Understand robotic systems and gynecologic applications
5. Learn basic safety and OR setup- Ergonomics of Patient positioning
6. Safety protocols and system errors
7. Patient selection-Identify suitable patients for robotic gynecologic procedures
8. Comparison with laparoscopic and open techniques

Hands on training in Operating room, Lectures & Discussions, Videos of robotic procedures and Reading material.

STEP 2

Simulation-Based Training (Weeks 4-12)

Goal: Develop hand-eye coordination and familiarity with the console. Learn core motor skills.

Practice on robotic simulators and learn tasks—camera control, clutching, targeting, energy control and application, needle driving and suturing, knot-tying, and instrument exchange. An objective metrics assessment for time, precision, and economy of motion will follow. The next step is to perform a Hysterectomy on the simulator. The benchmark will be completing the platform-specific curriculum with passing scores.

STEP 3

Dry Lab & Artificial Labs (Weeks 12-18)

Goal: Practice skills on physical models and tissue

Exercises will include – Bio-tissue uterine suturing, Vaginal cuff closure models, Pelvic dissection simulation models.
Assessment will be evaluated on accuracy, efficiency, and tissue handling.

STEP 4

Clinical Observation & Bedside Assistance (Weeks 18–24)

Goal: Learn operative team roles and robotic setup

Activities during this phase will include- Scrub in for 5–10 robotic gynecologic surgeries, Practice docking and instrument exchange, As a bedside assistant, you will assist in uterine manipulation and suction/irrigation. You will also learn Robotic Surgical steps in 3D Virtual reality Quest 3 Meta Headsets to get an actual insight into the 3D immersive vision of the robotic Console.

STEP 5

Supervised Console Surgery (Weeks 24–52)

Goal: Transition from assisting to performing robotic procedures.

Begin with stepwise performance of procedures under supervision. This step will depend on the supervisor/mentor’s satisfaction with the candidate’s completion of the above steps and the candidate’s ability to show competence as a safe surgeon. It begins with straightforward cases.

Assessment & Certification

The certificate will be issued by the Vattikuti Foundation or the Intuitive Foundation.

The candidates for these two fellowships will have to make two presentations at conferences—one national and one international—for which they will receive travel and logistical support. They are also required to publish two papers in peer-reviewed journals during their tenure.

Please apply with your CV and a statement of purpose on drroomasinhagyn@gmail.com