This FAQ page provides a comprehensive overview of Orsi Academy, helping you quickly find answers to the most common questions about our organisation, training programmes, and facilities.
This page includes:
- General Information
- Training & Methodology
- Accreditation & Quality
- Partnerships & Community
- Facilities & Infrastructure
- Practical Information & Contact
General Information
What is Orsi Academy?
Orsi Academy is the world's largest independent training centre for robotic and minimally invasive surgery. Located in Melle, Belgium (near Ghent), Orsi Academy was founded in 2010 as a spin-off of AZORG Aalst and became a fully independent organisation in 2016. It offers scientifically validated, proficiency-based surgical training to healthcare professionals from around the world.
Where is Orsi Academy located?
Orsi Academy is located in Melle, Belgium, near Ghent, with easy access via the E40 highway. The campus is centrally situated between Brussels and Ghent, within reach of three international airports (Brussels, Charleroi, and Lille), making it convenient for international participants from across Europe and beyond. A free parking lot is available next to the facility for all visitors, including charging points for electric vehicles. We are also located close to two international railway stations (Lille Europe and Brussels Midi).
Who founded Orsi Academy?
Orsi Academy was founded in 2010 as a spin-off of AZORG Aalst by Prof. Dr. Alexandre Mottrie and Dr. Geert Vandenbroucke. The initiative was supported by the Flemish Government, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Vattikutti Foundation, and Ghent University. Since 2016, Orsi Academy has operated as a fully independent institution.
Is Orsi Academy the largest robotic surgery training centre in the world?
Yes. Orsi Academy is considered the largest robotic surgery training centre in the world based on the number of robotic systems available on-site for training and research. The training centre includes 1,400 m² of multifunctional labs, including image-guided labs with advanced imaging systems, robotic surgery labs, and minimally invasive and laparoscopic labs. Orsi Academy trains more than 3.000+ participants each year.
What does the name Orsi stand for?
Orsi originally stood for OLV Robotic Surgery Institute. After becoming fully independent in 2015, Orsi Academy no longer maintained a formal connection with OLV Aalst, and the original meaning of the acronym was discontinued.
Why is there art in Orsi?
Orsi showcases artworks by Flemish artists, in collaboration with gallery owner Guy Pieters. This makes the center more attractive and meets government requirements for public institutions to invest in Flemish art.
Training & Methodology
What training does Orsi Academy offer?
Orsi Academy offers training in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic, laparoscopic, and endovascular surgery, across a wide range of medical disciplines such as urology, general surgery, orthopaedics and many more. Training programmes cover both beginner and advanced levels and are built around evidence-based, proficiency-based progression models rather than traditional observation-based learning.
In what language are Orsi Academy programmes taught?
Orsi Academy's training programmes are taught primarily in English, enabling international participation from surgeons and healthcare professionals across Europe and beyond. In addition, several trainers are fluent in languages such as Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, and dedicated courses are regularly organised in these languages to further support international participants.
What makes Orsi Academy's training approach different?
Orsi Academy uses a proficiency-based progression model, meaning participants advance based on objectively measured competency rather than time spent. This approach is grounded in scientifically validated performance metrics and evidence-based curriculum design. Independent research demonstrates that this method produces surgical performances 40 to 60% better than traditional observation-based training.
What surgical disciplines can I train in at Orsi Academy?
Orsi Academy offers training in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and endovascular procedures. These training programmes are applied across a range of medical disciplines, such as urology, gynaecology, colorectal surgery, thoracic surgery, and orthopaedics. Training courses are available for both beginners building foundational skills through simulation-based training and experienced surgeons looking to refine advanced techniques or train on new surgical technologies.
Does Orsi Academy offer beginner-level robotic surgery courses?
Yes. Orsi Academy offers introductory-level programmes specifically designed for surgeons with no prior robotic surgery experience, including surgical residents and fellows. These programmes begin on simulators and follow the proficiency-based progression model, ensuring each participant builds a solid foundation before advancing.
Does Orsi Academy offer advanced robotic surgery training?
Yes. Orsi Academy offers advanced and specialist programmes for experienced surgeons seeking to master complex techniques, expand into new surgical disciplines, or train on new robotic platforms. These programmes are built on the same evidence-based proficiency model but assume a baseline level of robotic experience.
Does training at Orsi Academy improve surgical outcomes?
Yes. Research associated with Orsi Academy's proficiency-based training methodology shows that surgeons trained using this approach perform 40 to 60% better on objective surgical performance metrics compared to those trained through traditional observation-based methods. The evidence-based curriculum is designed specifically to shorten the robotic surgery learning curve and translate training performance into safer clinical practice.
What is the goal of Orsi Academy's training approach?
The ultimate goal of every Orsi Academy training programme is safer surgery for patients. By training surgeons to a validated, objective standard of proficiency before they perform procedures in a clinical setting, Orsi Academy aims to reduce complications, shorten learning curves, and accelerate the safe global adoption of robotic and minimally invasive techniques.
Accreditation & Quality
Is Orsi Academy subsidised or supported by the EU?
Yes. Orsi Academy was co-funded during its founding and campus construction phases by the Flemish Government and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This public investment reflects Orsi Academy’s recognised strategic role as a leading training and innovation centre in the region and across Europe.
Is Orsi Academy accredited?
Yes. Orsi Academy is an accredited training and innovation center, recognised by leading international medical societies. It holds multiple centre-level accreditations, including recognition by RCS, ACS, NASCE and AAALAC, confirming compliance with high standards in surgical training, research and animal care. In addition, Orsi maintains strong academic partnerships with Ghent University (UGent) and KU Leuven, ensuring continuous scientific validation of its training methodology.
For all robotic training courses, individual applications are submitted to EACCME to obtain CME accreditation, allowing participants to earn internationally recognised continuing medical education credits.
Partnerships & Community
Does Orsi Academy work with medtech companies?
Yes. Orsi Academy is a structural partner for medtech companies seeking to train surgeons on new robotic systems, validate surgical techniques, or conduct clinical research. The academy supports research, co-creation, and data-driven development of new surgical technologies in a controlled environment away from human patients.
Who can attend training at Orsi Academy?
Orsi Academy's programmes are open to surgeons at all experience levels, from residents and fellows beginning their robotic journey to experienced consultants expanding into new skills. Training is also open to other healthcare professionals, academic researchers, medical students (via Junior Orsi), and industry professionals working in surgical medtech.
Facilities & Infrastructure
How many operating labs does Orsi Academy have?
We offer 1400 m² of multifunctional labs, fully customizable to your needs. 4 x 350 m² of highly equipped modular surgery space, incl. anesthesia equipment and premium AV installations for your surgical trainings, preclinical trials or events.
Can companies rent facilities at Orsi Academy?
Yes. Orsi Academy's campus features a range of high-quality, fully customizable spaces, including advanced training labs, a 120-seat auditorium, and fully equipped meeting rooms. These facilities support a variety of medical and scientific activities within the field of minimally invasive surgery, including confidential preclinical research and trials.
Can companies use Orsi Academy to develop new surgical technologies?
Yes. Orsi Academy's facilities and expertise are available to medtech companies for product development, surgeon training on new platforms, and clinical research. The controlled environment allows companies to gather objective performance data, validate surgical workflows, and build evidence packages for regulatory submissions, without involving human patients in early development stages.
Can I host my non-medical event at Orsi Academy?
Yes, it is possible to host non-medical events at Orsi. The academy offers modern facilities and tailored support for a wide range of professional gatherings. To explore the possibilities and check availability, it is best to contact the team directly.
Practical Information & Contact
How can I contact Orsi Academy?
You can contact Orsi Academy by sending an email to info@orsi.be or by calling +32 (0)9 334 69 26. If you prefer, you can also use the online contact form, where the team will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible.
How can I register for a course?
To register for a course at Orsi Academy, you simply need to visit the course calendar. Once you find the training you are interested in, you can click the “Register” button on the course page and follow the steps to complete your registration.
How do I manage my travel and accommodation for my upcoming training?
Orsi Academy provides a dedicated webpage to help you organize your travel and accommodation. By visiting the travel and accomodation page, you will find all the necessary information about nearby hotels, transportation options, and practical tips to plan your stay efficiently.
If you are registered for a robotic training course at Orsi, our hospitality officer will contact you to assist with your travel and accommodation arrangements.
How can I stay up to date with our latest news?
To stay informed about the latest news, courses, and events at Orsi Academy, you can follow the academy on social media or subscribe to the newsletter. This way, you will regularly receive updates and announcements directly.
Have a question that isn’t covered here?
Get in touch with us, we’re here to help. Whether you need more information about our training programmes, facilities, or planning your visit, our team is ready to assist you and ensure you have everything you need.
