Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Can companies organise B2B training at Orsi Academy?

Yes. Orsi Academy supports companies in organising B2B training programmes in robotic and minimally invasive surgery. Each request is guided by a dedicated contact person, who coordinates the training together with the company.

Our sales administration team includes specialised team members with their own areas of expertise, ensuring every B2B training request is handled by the right person.

Animal welfare & ethical standards

Why are animals used in certain training programmes?

At Orsi Academy, healthcare professionals follow a progressive training pathway. Under our scientifically validated Proficiency-Based Progression methodology, participants first practise using tools such as simulators, synthetic models and isolated tissues. An anaesthetised animal model may only be considered for specific learning objectives once participants have reached the required proficiency levels.

A living model is used only when the available alternatives cannot provide the same essential learning experience. For some advanced procedures, participants need to learn how to respond to realistic tissue behaviour, blood circulation and respiratory movement before applying the technique in patients.

Every training involving living animals must first be assessed and approved by an independent Ethical Committee. The committee considers whether the use of animals is necessary and justified, whether a suitable non-animal alternative is available, and whether the expected educational benefit outweighs the burden on the animal.

We continually monitor the development of alternative methods and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). Whenever an alternative can meet the learning objective to an equivalent standard, that alternative is preferred.

Which animals are used for which types of training?

At Orsi Academy, the animal model is always selected according to the specific learning objective and the anatomical and physiological characteristics required.

• Pigs are used in selected thoracic, abdominal and endovascular training programmes.
• Sheep are used in selected endovascular training programmes.
• Rats are used for microsurgical training.

The pigs and sheep are sourced from authorised breeders and were originally bred for food production. The rats used in microsurgical training are retired breeders from authorised institutions that otherwise would be euthanised anyway.

The same ethical, legal and veterinary requirements apply regardless of the species. During programmes involving living animals, the animals remain under anaesthesia and are continuously monitored.

Where are the animals housed?

At Orsi Academy, the animals are sourced from authorised breeders and housed in purpose-designed facilities on the UGhent campus next to Orsi Academy.

Pigs and sheep are socially housed in groups. Their enclosures contain straw and wood shavings to provide comfortable bedding. Food and drinking water are freely available.

Our animal care staff inspect and care for the animals every day. They clean the enclosures, provide food, perform health checks and offer enrichment materials that encourage natural behaviour. In addition to standard enrichment, the animals receive extra enrichment at least twice a week.

A designated enrichment coordinator plans, monitors and adjusts the enrichment programme whenever necessary.

Rats are housed at UGhent’s nearby accredited animal facility and are transported to Orsi Academy on the day of the training with every effort made to minimise stress.

Who takes care of the animals?

At Orsi Academy, the animals are cared for by a permanent team of qualified animal care staff (our Lab Supports) and veterinarians. Everyone who works with the animals has the required education and certification in laboratory animal science. Our animal care staff also hold bachelor’s degrees in animal care.

Orsi Academy employs multiple full time veterinarians. Everyone involved regularly completes internal and external training to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. New animal care staff also complete a six months supervised training programme as part of their onboarding.

The animals receive care and health checks every day. On the day of a training, they are calmly transported to the laboratory in a cart that they enter voluntarily. They are then sedated and placed under anaesthesia. Their vital signs and depth of anaesthesia are continuously monitored throughout the training. A veterinarian may intervene, pause or stop a procedure at any time if animal welfare could be compromised.

How does Orsi Academy safeguard animal welfare?

At Orsi Academy, animal welfare is central before, during and after every training. Our approach includes several levels of oversight and quality assurance:

• Every training must receive prior approval from an independent Ethical Committee (Orsi is a part of the Committee of the Ugent faculty of veterinary medicine and bioengineering sciences).
• Orsi Academy has been accredited by AAALAC International since 2022. This voluntary, internationally recognised accreditation subjects our animal care and use programme to independent assessment and supports continuous improvement beyond legal requirements.
• Animal Welfare Belgium carries out regular on-site inspections.
• Our internal animal-welfare body evaluates our practices and conducts housing audits. The welfare body consists of staff from different teams and levels of the organisation.
• Posters displayed throughout our facilities allow visitors, clients and staff to report animal-welfare concerns confidentially via a QR-code, E-mail or the website.
• Qualified veterinarians and animal care staff continuously supervise the animals.

We apply the 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement. This means using non-animal alternatives whenever possible, limiting the number of animals to the minimum necessary and continually improving our methods to minimise pain, stress and discomfort.

What happens to the animals after training?

At Orsi Academy, the animals remain under anaesthesia throughout the training. At the end, while still fully anaesthetised, they are humanely euthanised using an approved veterinary medicine. They therefore do not regain consciousness.

Organs and tissues that were not affected during the training are carefully collected and, whenever possible, used in other training sessions. This allows one animal to contribute to several learning objectives and helps reduce the total number of animals required. This practice supports Reduction, one of the 3Rs.

The remaining carcass is collected by an authorised processor (Rendac) and handled in accordance with the applicable requirements.

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.