Three residents at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine have made history by receiving the first-ever certifications for two groundbreaking medical procedures. Hunter Skoog and Robert Wineski, both fourth-year residents in the Department of Otolaryngology, have achieved certification to implant the Inspire device, a FDA-approved nerve simulator used in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Meanwhile, Nick Rivers, a third-year resident also in the UAB Department of Otolaryngology, has been certified in transoral robotic surgery.
The Inspire device is a game-changer in the field of sleep apnea treatment. It functions as a nerve simulator and is implanted to alleviate the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Kirk Withrow, an experienced surgeon who pioneered the implantation of the Inspire device in Alabama in 2015, led the certification training for Skoog and Wineski.
On the other hand, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is revolutionizing the field of ENT surgeries. By utilizing surgical robots, ENT surgeons can now perform historically extensive and invasive surgeries in a safer and more efficient manner. Dr. Harishanker Jeyarajan, an Associate Professor in the UAB Department of Otolaryngology, spearheaded the training for Rivers in this groundbreaking surgical technique.
One notable aspect of the UAB School of Medicine’s training programs is their commitment to providing a structured curriculum. For TORS, UAB offers the world’s first training program that incorporates online modules, scheduled didactic courses, practical experience with recorded and audited case logs, and more. This comprehensive approach ensures that residents gain the necessary knowledge and expertise in these cutting-edge treatments.
The certifications received by Skoog, Wineski, and Rivers not only mark significant milestones in clinical practice, but they also highlight the commitment of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine to remain at the forefront of medical innovation. These advancements hold promise for improving the lives of countless patients suffering from sleep apnea and other conditions that require ENT surgeries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Inspire device?
A: The Inspire device is a nerve simulator approved by the FDA for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
Q: What is transoral robotic surgery (TORS)?
A: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a surgical technique that utilizes robotic systems to perform ENT surgeries in a safer and more efficient manner.
Q: Who led the certification training for the Inspire device?
A: The certification training for the Inspire device was led by Dr. Kirk Withrow, who was the first surgeon in Alabama to implant the device.
Q: Who spearheaded the training for transoral robotic surgery (TORS)?
A: Dr. Harishanker Jeyarajan, an Associate Professor in the UAB Department of Otolaryngology, led the training for transoral robotic surgery (TORS).
Q: What is unique about the UAB School of Medicine’s training programs?
A: The UAB School of Medicine offers a structured training program for transoral robotic surgery (TORS) that incorporates online modules, scheduled didactic courses, practical experience, and recorded case logs. It is the first of its kind in the world.