Nakuru, Kenya| In a groundbreaking move set to revolutionize medical education in Kenya, Egerton University has integrated virtual reality (VR) technology into its surgical training program.
This initiative, spearheaded by Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Kibwage, will allow medical students to observe live and pre-recorded surgical procedures in an immersive 360-degree virtual environment.
The university has partnered with the Kenya Education Network (KENET) to leverage cutting-edge digital tools under the Teaching Hospitals Connectivity Initiative.
This collaboration, which includes eduroam and surgical theatre telepresence systems, aims to enhance surgical training and data-driven research.
Transforming Surgical Training with Virtual Reality
Traditionally, medical students have relied on mannequins, simulations, or cadavers for surgical training—methods that, while effective, come with limitations such as high costs, complexity, and restricted accessibility.
However, with the adoption of VR technology, students can now learn through virtual surgery demonstrations before attempting procedures on real patients.
“The virtual reality training allows our students to watch surgeries remotely. Once they gain confidence, they are assessed and permitted to operate,” said Professor Kibwage.
He emphasized that the technology is both affordable and accessible, requiring only an internet connection and a smartphone.
The adoption of VR is expected to significantly reduce surgical errors and shorten the learning curve for trainees by enabling them to practice without the direct assistance of busy consultants.
Global Collaboration and Cutting-Edge Technology
Egerton University is also integrating Proximie, a globally recognized digital platform used by surgical specialists.
Proximie offers a centralized hub for operating room connectivity, enhancing knowledge sharing, collaboration, and oversight among medical professionals.
“Through our partnership, we will develop blended content using Proximie, which provides the necessary infrastructure for a more integrated surgical training approach,” Professor Kibwage explained.
Proximie has already been successfully adopted in Kenyatta National Hospital and the University of Nairobi, as well as in over 800 hospitals across 50 countries.
It has contracts with major medical device companies and access to 90% of operating rooms and diagnostic suites in the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union.
The Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital has now become the fourth institution in Kenya to embrace this global health technology.
Enhancing Healthcare through Digital Innovation
The integration of VR and fiber optic technology, which is essential for live surgery due to the precision required in operations, marks a major leap in Kenya’s medical field.
KENET Executive Director Professor Meoli Kashorda praised the move, stating that the partnership will create a robust ecosystem for innovation and support in the medical field.
“This technology provides a unique opportunity for medical students and professionals to observe live surgeries, participate in simulations, and learn from top experts globally,” Professor Kashorda noted.
He emphasized that by leveraging Proximie, Egerton University and KENET are not only advancing surgical education but also elevating the standards of healthcare in the region.
A Future of Connected Operating Rooms
According to Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram, the founder of Proximie, every procedure recorded through the platform is stored and analyzed for future use, helping to establish best practices in surgery.
By connecting operating rooms worldwide, Proximie is generating a vast and insightful data network that is transforming healthcare on a global scale.
With this initiative, Egerton University joins a growing number of institutions worldwide that are embracing digital transformation to enhance medical education and patient care.
The move sets a new benchmark for surgical training in Kenya, ensuring that future generations of doctors are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed in the ever-evolving medical landscape.
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