The role of educational cycles in the training system for vitreoretinal surgeons. Ten years of WetLab work experience in Kazan
Purpose. To analyze the ten-year experience of the WetLab educational course on vitreoretinal surgery in Kazan, to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-stage approach in the training of vitreoretinal surgeons. Material and methods. Since 2011, 210 doctors from 47 regions of the Russian Federation and 5 neighboring countries completed the Wetlab educational course in Kazan. C 25 courses have been conducted. After completing the course, the trainees participated in various seminars and master classes on vitreoretinal surgery, an individual training and mentoring program was organized. Results. More than 80% of the students, within 2 years after completing their studies on the main course and subsequent participation in additional educational activities, began to independently perform vitreoretinal surgeries. More than 50% of graduates today know all the main methods of modern vitreoretinal interventions. Conclusion. The effectiveness of multi-stage training of vitreoretinal surgeons is shown. Multi-stage training includes at the first stage a basic theoretical course and practicing practical skills within the WetLab program, at the second stage – participation in specialized seminars and master classes, supervision of a graduate of the course by a teacher-mentor according to an individual program. Such a training system for vitreoretinal surgeons allows about 80% of those who have completed training to start independent work after training. Keywords: vitreoretinal surgery, ophthalmology, training.