Course Description

Intensive Training Program in Robotic-Assisted Surgery — Gynecology

This program is offered by ISLE Academy and KEDIVIM–NKUA in partnership with Professor Nikolaos Vlahos through a course at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: Intensive Training Program In Robotic Assisted Surgery in Gynecology – CCE NKUA.

The ITP-RAS-GYN is an accredited training programme of the Centre for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (KEDIVIM) of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). It is designed for board-certified gynecologists who wish to develop specialized skills in robotic surgery using the da Vinci system. The programme has been approved by the KEDIVIM Council of NKUA and is aligned with Level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Participants who successfully complete the program receive a Certificate of Continuing Professional Training, accompanied by a Certificate Supplement detailing the competencies and skills acquired. NKUA is responsible for the clinical, theoretical, and assessment components of the program. Hands-on technical training on all available Intuitive platforms (daVinci Xi, daVinci X, daVinci Sp and daVinci 5) is delivered by certified trainers at ISLE Academy’s dedicated training facility in Athens.

Program structure

• Phase 1 — Fundamental Knowledge & Interactive Learning: Covers theoretical training and structured learning modules. Delivered online by the University of Athens instructors.
• Phase 2 — Hands-on practical training in the da Vinci robotic platform: Includes 30–40 hours of individual instruction per participant with a dedicated trainer, focusing on simulation and training on robotic system setup and use. Delivered in person at ISLE Academy’s facilities.
• Phase 3 — In-person observation of surgical procedures in a hospital setting and Interactive Teaching: Hosted at partner clinical sites (Aretaieio, IASO, Metropolitan General, Henry Dunant, Agios Loukas) and supervised by university faculty.
• Phase 4 — Feedback and Certification: Review of the learning process and trainee performance discussion under the supervision of KEDIVIM-NKUA instructors.

Throughout the programme, and subject to availability, ISLE Academy may provide participants with access to the ERMIS VR virtual reality platform to further develop their skills (5–10 hours of practice per trainee).

Program details

ITP-RAS-GYN is a certified post-specialization training program for physicians holding the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology, who are seeking to develop specialized skills in robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci system, and to integrate it into their clinical practice.

Eligibility: The program is open to licensed gynecologists

Duration: Three to six months. Start dates are arranged individually, and participants are invited to inquire directly for availability.

Scheduling: Technical training at ISLE Academy is delivered as private, one-to-one sessions of a minimum of three hours. Clinical observation is scheduled in coordination with NKUA subject to faculty and clinical site availability. Theoretical sessions are delivered online or on-site, before or after the clinical observation block. The program is Greek/English-speaking and is also open to international participants, who can complete the technical training component at either our Athens or Bucharest hub.

Certification: Two logbooks are maintained throughout the program. The technical logbook is provided by ISLE Academy, and the clinical logbook is provided by NKUA. Competencies, milestones, and performance outcomes are documented by the respective certified instructors, giving participants a clear record of their development. The logbooks are issued upon successful completion.

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants are awarded a KEDIVIM–NKUA Certificate (EQF Level 7) certificate in accordance with the KEDIVIM–NKUA operating regulations, as well as an optional supplementary certificate of attendance from ISLE Academy.

Disclosures

Our programs provide focused training on Intuitive’s da Vinci platforms, including its instruments and accessories. This training complements but does not replace the medical education and clinical experience required to perform surgical procedures safely and effectively. Physicians must complete adequate training and develop the necessary skills to ensure patient safety before using these technologies in procedures.

The program prepares participants for both the Surgeon Console and Bedside Assistant roles, equipping them with hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the technology. The training strictly focuses on the proper use, functionality, and handling of the da Vinci system, without covering clinical decision-making or procedural techniques.

Participants should always refer to Intuitive Learning to ensure they are using the latest training materials and that the training software matches the version installed on their system.