In July 2010, the Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS) developed the international bootcamp model and learning curriculum to be adopted and used by organizations and learning institutions to support neurosurgical residents transitioning from medical school to mid-level residency. The humanitarian model provides a cost-effective and sustainable solution to educational needs and demonstrates to local neurosurgeons how they can take ownership of their educational processes. Educational materials include mini courses with lectures, case discussions, skill stations, simulators and models. In addition to learning opportunities, the bootcamp model also provides an opportunity for residents to meet other residents outside of their own programs and possibly from other countries. It also allows residents to be exposed to up-to-date techniques and equipment in neurosurgery.
Using the CNS model, FIENS participated in their first international bootcamp in Bolivia in 2015. Since 2015, FIENS, in partnership with Henry Ford Health and local physicians, societies and foundations, has completed boot camps in South Africa, Yangon (2), Zimbabwe, Bolivia, Nigeria, Singapore, Chile, Kenya and Vietnam (2).
FIENS was able to participate as a co-sponsor in the 2022 Vietnam Neurosurgery Boot Camp along with the Danang University Medical school and Henry Ford Health Team, with generous sponsorship from Medtronic and Storz. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Ba, Dr. Tra Tan Hoanh and Dr. Le Quang Huy partnered with us for the boot camp and were instrumental all along the way during the planning phases beginning nine months prior and the running of the boot camp.
Boot Camps are a great opportunity for resident learning and provide the local faculty with an excellent opportunity to teach. This is greatly appreciated by the faculty, and many thanked us for doing the boot camp in Vietnam; they are eager to have additional Boot Camps in the future.
The Boot Camp served approximately 80 students, including faculty and residents, and medical students, and was supported by nine international faculty and approximately 20 Vietnamese faculty representing the major medical centers in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City. The support of the Danang Medical School was invaluable, and an extremely high-level Boot Camp took place with discussions by international and local faculty and hands-on experience in craniotomy, microsurgery, endoscopy, as well as standard positioning, ICP, and lumbar puncture.
All of the residents had an opportunity to work on workstations featuring spinal fusion instruments, neuronavigation, microscopic techniques, endoscopy techniques, and a number of other techniques.
It was particularly encouraging to see the enthusiasm of the Vietnamese medical specialists and their desire to continue such teaching well into the future. Dr. Dempsey and Dr. Rock were joined by FIENS treasurer Dr. Brandon Rocque and board member Richard Moser. This is the first Boot Camp to be held in Vietnam, which could well become a site for regional educational activities.
FIENS Board Member, Dr. Brandon Rocque and surgeons Dr. Hassan Akbari, Dr. Jonathan Pindrik visited the pediatric neurosurgery programs at the Children’s Hospital #2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
FIENS and the University of Wisconsin in Madison (UW-Madison) faculty and alumni of the Department of Neurological Surgery and the Bolivian Neurosurgical Society, in partnership with Solidarity Bridge, are developing a neurosurgical education system to enhance the training of Bolivian neurosurgical residents.
FIENS was able to participate as a co-sponsor in the 2022 Vietnam Neurosurgery Boot Camp along with the Danang University Medical school and Henry Ford Health Team, with generous sponsorship from Medtronic and Storz.
