Foreword by the ALSGBI Academy Chair
Surgery can be a competitive field and it’s important to start making early preparations to give you that edge. Visual-spatial awareness has been shown to play an important role in laparoscopic surgery. The majority of trainees have limited access to laparoscopic simulators and their experience is limited to the confines of theatre.
To quote Alexander Graham Bell, preparation is the key to success. By increasing your exposure to laparoscopy through the safe medium of simulation, future training may potentially be accelerated.
LapPass® has been designed by the ALSGBI to formally recognise those trainees who are able to demonstrate proficiency in a defined set of 5 laparoscopic tasks. These skills are challenging to perfect and the possession of the passport is a badge of proficiency which will be recognised nationwide and will mark out those who are serious laparoscopic surgeons. In turn, it is anticipated that trainers will recognise that those in possession of LapPass® certification will be suitable for accelerated operative training.
With regards,
Rikesh Patel
A very warm welcome to the world of laparoscopic surgery incorporating Robotic and Technologically Enhanced Surgery (RATES) for all budding surgeons who are considering a career in surgery. The Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of GB and Ireland (ALSGBI) has been the cornerstone of establishment to promote laparoscopic surgery to surgeons and trainees for the past 26 years. We strive to provide support and guidance as well as exposure for medical students as well as Foundation Doctors in the field of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS).