A structured pathway towards surgical expertise
Developing surgical expertise takes time, practice and progressive learning. At Orsi, healthcare professionals build their skills through a structured training pathway that combines simulation, hands-on practice and increasing clinical realism.
Virtual reality and simulators
Develop hand–eye coordination, instrument control and confidence with surgical technologies in a safe, standardised environment.
Synthetic and anatomical models
Practise essential techniques such as suturing, knot tying and instrument handling using pelvic and thoracic training boxes, 3D-printed models and other synthetic training models.
Animal tissue and isolated organs
Learn how biological tissue responds to surgical manipulation, instruments and energy devices.
Human cadavers
Deepen anatomical knowledge and practise complete procedures in selected specialty courses.
Anaesthetised animal models
Experience the highest level of biological realism when specific learning objectives cannot be achieved with available alternatives.
Training does not end in the simulation lab. Healthcare professionals continue to build their expertise in clinical practice, where they apply their skills under supervision while progressively taking responsibility for patient care.
The learning journey ultimately continues in clinical practice, where healthcare professionals further develop their expertise while taking on guided responsibility for patient care.
Animal welfare, ethical oversight and regulation
A responsibility at every stage
Animal welfare is central to every programme involving living animals at Orsi Academy.
It guides the entire process, from housing, enrichment and daily care to handling, anaesthesia and continuous monitoring. Every programme is supported by qualified veterinarians and animal care professionals who ensure that Orsi Academy’s animal welfare standards are respected at all times.
A veterinarian has the authority to intervene, pause or stop a procedure whenever animal welfare may be compromised.
Independent ethical oversight
Every programme involving living animals must receive prior approval from an independent Ethical Committee.
Only programmes that are considered necessary, justifiable and ethically responsible may proceed.
All activities involving animals at Orsi Academy are conducted in accordance with applicable Belgian and European legislation on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
Orsi Academy is also an active member of the Belgian Council for Laboratory Animal Science and the European Animal Research Association.
AAALAC International accreditation
In 2022, Orsi Academy received accreditation from AAALAC International for its animal care and use programme.
This internationally recognised accreditation provides independent confirmation of the quality of our animal care practices. It reflects our continued commitment to:
- High standards of animal welfare
- Qualified and continuously trained staff
- Responsible animal care and use
- Independent assessment
- Continuous improvement
Meet our veterinary team
The people behind our animal welfare programme
Animal welfare is a daily responsibility shared by our veterinarians and animal care professionals.
Our veterinarians Emma, Dana and Marieke explain which animal models are used, how the 3R principles guide their decisions and how animal welfare is protected in practice.
Which animal models are used at Orsi Academy?
Marieke:
Depending on the training or research objective, Orsi Academy may work with chicken and dog cadavers, as well as anaesthetised pigs and sheep.
During programmes involving living animals, our veterinarians and animal care professionals provide continuous supervision and ensure that all ethical, legal and animal welfare requirements are respected.
How do the 3R principles guide your decisions?
Emma:
Every decision involving animals is guided by Replacement, Reduction and Refinement.
- Replacement means using a non-animal alternative whenever it can meet the learning or research objective. These alternatives may include simulation, synthetic models, isolated organs or human cadavers.
- Reduction means limiting the number of animals used. For example, organs may be collected after a programme and used in additional training sessions.
- Refinement means continuously improving our methods, care and expertise to minimise pain, stress and discomfort.
An animal model is only considered when available alternatives cannot adequately meet the specific objective.
How do you safeguard animal welfare in practice?
Dana:
Animal welfare starts long before a procedure.
It includes appropriate housing and enrichment, careful handling, thorough preparation and continuous veterinary monitoring. During a programme, animals remain under anaesthesia, using a protocol adapted to the procedure and the anticipated level of discomfort.
Everyone working with laboratory animals must hold the required qualifications and regularly update their knowledge and skills. A veterinarian can intervene, pause or stop a procedure whenever animal welfare may be compromised.
Why is transparency so important?
Marieke:
The use of animals in surgical training and research is a sensitive and complex subject. That is exactly why openness matters.
People should be able to understand why an animal model is used, how that decision is made and how animal welfare is protected.
As a signatory to the Belgian Transparency Agreement on Animal Research, Orsi Academy is committed to communicating openly and proactively about the use of animals.
Transparency creates trust, encourages dialogue and challenges us to keep investing in alternatives and improving our practices.
