National Bioskills Laboratories (NBL), a surgical training company headquartered in Pittsburgh, has established a third location in San Francisco. The new facility will feature numerous embedded cameras, with streams displayed through 20 LED screens placed throughout the auditorium and training labs. The lab features 25,000 square feet of learning space, and even hosts a billiards table for those who need to unwind. The first operation was conducted on June 23rd.
NBL is emerging as a leader in bioskills training facilities, and, with additional campuses in Pittsburgh and Dallas, the company has established a country-wide reach. NBL’s facilities offer high-tech surgical training by enabling advanced remote monitoring and comfortable learning facilities. The company aims to establish facilities in several major urban areas so doctors and medical students can learn remotely and in comfort.
Using two-way CrowdOptic Livestream technology, NBL is able to deliver real-time streaming of ongoing operations to medical students and physicians. CrowdOptic Intersect technology allows for intelligent streaming and the easy integration of multiple angles. IoT technology enables remote attendees and trainers to view the surgeries and to engage in simulcast training.
Cloud services and single web page viewing also eliminate the need for expensive integrated solutions. This helps keep costs affordable and makes recording easy. Viewers are given access to their own personal training session and are able to rewind and replay at will. Educators can also create training videos and switch between multiple angles to provide their students with the best possible experience. By using Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) servers, NBL can deliver high definition livestreaming from 4K cameras, allowing observers to soak in every detail.
All of these elements combine to offer superior medical training. Students from across the country can observe and learn from ongoing surgeries, while also being educated onsite or remotely by medical professionals. NBL’s facilities are being utilized by both medical students and professionals looking to maintain or improve their skills.
Remote learning is proving to be a tremendous opportunity for professionals and medical students alike. The CrowdOptic system features two-way, real-time audio-visual cameras and microphones that make it easy for in-theater surgeons and in-auditorium observers to interact. This allows for more hands-on engagement, albeit remotely for the audience. Multi-angle playback options also add functionality. The sum result of all of these features is a powerful education system that allows observers to all but be in the room without actually clogging up the tight surgery theater space.
Surgeries are generally intensive, precise affairs, with millimeters or less making huge differences. The operating theaters of yesterday had viewing rooms behind glass. These could be useful for teaching students and professionals, but it was difficult for viewers to see much as they were often several feet from the action, making it hard to take in details. For surgeries, such details are vital for the patient, the surgeon, and also the students. With the CrowdOptic system, viewers can jump right into the middle of the operation.
“National Bioskills is paving the way for innovation in professional clinical education, and CrowdOptic is proud to supply the technology powering NBL’s centers of excellence,” remarked Jon Fisher, CEO. “This latest NBL center, situated in the heart of the technology industry, is showcasing the latest breakthroughs in remote clinical education.”
NBL was founded in 2014 by orthopedist Dr. Douglas A. Hampers and pain specialist Dr. Yeshvant Navalgund. Facilities are equipped with observing rooms, surgery stations, training auditoriums, and various creature-comfort amenities. NBL argues that comfort is just as important for learning as technology. Besides comfortable facilities, NBL can provide catering, arrange hotel rooms, and perform various other activities.
Beyond facilities, NBL is also setting up a Medical Advisory Board staffed with key opinion leaders and surgeons in various surgical fields. This board will ensure that NBL stays at the forefront of both surgery practices and the best learning-enhancing technologies.
