Establishment of Centre of competence “Leonardo Da Vinci” in Medical University of Pleven, Bulgaria

Abstract

Abstract Issue/problem In 2016 Ministry of education and science initiated a call for projects for establishment of centres of competence aiming to increase the level and market orientation of the research activities in Bulgaria and to support the development of innovation capacity. The center of competence on personalised medicine, 3D and telemedicine, robotic and minimally invasive surgery in Medical University of Pleven is to be developed from 2018 to 2023. Description of the problem The objectives are: 1) To create a high-tech research and educational product with long-lasting tendencies to improve the community’s scientific development and level of public health; 2) To set up research teams of young researchers to write modern PhD theses and publications in high impact scientific journals; 3) ТÐ3/4 integrate research results into the business. Methods classical and virtual microscopy, computer-assisted morphometry, clinical-genealogical method, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, laparoscopic transanal total mesorectal excision, hysteroscopic morcellation and others. Results About 2500 patients will be treated in the centre for 5 years. Diagnostic panels will be developed for different cancer types and the most common hereditary diseases within Bulgarian population. Individual orthotics suitable for 3D printing will be developed and patented. Tissue transplants will be created for body models that will be used for training on robotic surgical simulator. The telemedicine center will allow distant consultations with other centers, specialized training and research in virtual reality. The teams are experienced in the genetic testing and robotic surgery. Till 2015 all robotic surgeries in Bulgaria were performed in Pleven. The proportion for 2016, 2017 and 2018 was respectively 81.1%, 71.5% and 32% due to the increase of number of robotic surgery centres. Pleven’s centre has strong training traditions to guarantee the high quality of planned 72 workshops and seminars. Key messages The introduction of new technologies requires new models of training of health professionals to develop the necessary skills to take full advantage of their benefits. Better dissemination of innovations increases the access of population to health care of good quality and the achievement of highest attainable standard of physical health.