The training of orthopaedic surgeons, general surgeons, thoracic surgeons, gynecologists, urologists obliges them to train in a technically demanding project, in a limited or minimum time that does not allow the analysis and repeatability that would lead to a comfortable assimilation of the information offered. The phenomenon is exacerbated when the offered knowledge is provided under conditions of emotional loading, as happens during the training of inexperienced doctors in conditions threatening the life and integrity of the patient.

In many centers abroad educational methods have been established that simulate the conditions of time and emotional loading by removing the factor of the living and threatened patient so that the trainee has the time and calm to see, listen, ask, understand, try and ultimately to assimilate the knowledge and practice the skill required by the chosen specialty.

Virtual reality simulators are used in the program in order to familiarize the trainees without the risk of harming the patient. Outside of training, the technology allows direct assessment of the adequacy of the technical work produced by the trainee. It is the first time in Greece that a program with this content has been implemented in such a wide range of fields.

With Law 4655/2020 (Government Gazette 16/A31-1-2020), as amended by Law 4702/2020 (Government Gazette 130/A3-7-2020), the operation of the Surgical Simulation Lab will serve in Greece the above goal. It will operate in the Atticon Building of the Medical School of Athens (AKISA) of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) in the area of the General University Hospital “Attikon”. It will be financially supported for a period of five years by an exclusive donation from the Stavros Niarchos Foundatioan (SNF). The implementing bodies of the project are the NKUA, the Company of Health Units (AEMY SA), the Ministry of Health and Regeneration & Progress (A&P), which has been appointed responsible for the financial management and technical supervision of these programs.

The Arthro Mentor 1 & Arthro Mentor 2 machines are for Orthopaedic Surgeons, while the Lap Mentor III & Robotix Mentor are for General Surgeons.