AF’s first robotic surgery training

FALLS CHURCH, Va. - The Air Force is increasingly using the latest technology in surgical robotics to train medical service personnel to provide access to the most advanced surgical procedures for patients. Major Joshua Tyler, director of surgical robotics at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., helped establish the Institute for Defense Robotic Surgical Education (InDoRSE). It is the first of its kind in the Air Force. The facility trains Air Force, Army, Navy and VA surgical teams (surgeons, nurses and techs) to use state-of-the-art medical robotics. Access to this type of training was previously only available through private industry. “Robotic surgery is becoming the standard of care for many specialties and procedures,” said Tyler. Robotic surgeries have been shown to deliver better outcomes for patients. It offers increased mobility, smaller incisions, and gives surgeons better visualization. Keelser’s InDoRSE was established in March 2017, but plans to double training capacity. (Source: Air Force Surgeon General 02/06/18)