Course Description

Intensive Training Program in Robotic-Assisted Surgery — Urology

The Intensive Training Program in Robotic Assisted Surgery in Urology (ITP-RAS-URO) program is delivered in partnership with Professor Nicolae Crișan at Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca in Romania.

Iuliu Hațieganu University (UMF IH) 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 or Bucharest.

Program structure

• Phase 1 — Foundational Knowledge & Interactive Learning: Theoretical foundation in robotic surgery principles delivered through expert-led sessions, case-based discussions, and video demonstrations of key surgical techniques, with interactive Q&A throughout.

• Phase 2 — da Vinci Technology Training: Hands-on familiarization with the da Vinci systems — from console and OR setup through simulation-based skills development, advanced troubleshooting, and hands-on practice on organic tissue models. Throughout this phase, ISLE Academy trainers maintain a logbook tracking each participant’s progress, which contributes to their ISLE Academy certification.

• Phase 3 — Advanced Technique Training: Stepwise procedure practice on models

• Phase 4 — Live Case Observation & Interactive Teaching: Observation of live robotic urological procedures with teaching console access.

Program details

ITP-RAS-URO is an intensive training program for physicians holding the specialty of Urology 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 urologists.

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

Scheduling: Technical training at ISLE Academy is delivered as private, one-to-one tuition in sessions of a minimum of three hours. Clinical observation is scheduled in coordination with Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 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/Romanian-speaking and is also open to international participants, who can complete the technical training component at either our Athens or Bucharest hub.

Certification: Participants receive dual certification from the Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy and ISLE Academy. Two logbooks are maintained throughout the program. The Technical logbook is provided by ISLE Academy, and the Clinical logbook is provided by Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy. 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 alongside a certificate from Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy and 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.