On 13 and 14 November, the European Hernia Society (EHS) successfully hosted the much-anticipated Train the Trainer Course in Geneva.
This two-day programme was designed to enhance participants’ skills as educators and mentors, focusing on creating an inclusive and effective learning environment. Key elements included optimising briefing and debriefing techniques, as well as managing trainee dynamics and interactions with confidence and competence.
Drawing on principles of organisational and human factors, the course featured practical workshops, process analyses, and simulation-based training, all tailored to the needs of surgical educators. Delivered by experts with a background in aviation safety protocols, the course provided participants with innovative tools and strategies to improve communication, foster collaboration, and ensure sustainable learning outcomes.
To give further insight into the course’s impact, we spoke to one of the participants about their experience. Read below the experience from Dr. Mateusz Zamkowski, delegate from the Polish Hernia Society:
1. Can you share your professional background as a surgeon and your involvement with EHS?
As a surgeon specialising in hernia repair, I have spent many years honing my skills in both open and laparoscopic techniques. My involvement with the European Hernia Society (EHS) has been integral to my professional development. Being a part of EHS serves as a significant booster for professional and scientific activity. And that is exactly how my development progressed over the following years. Currently, I serve as the president of the Polish Hernia Society and as a member of the Publication Committee within the EHS wing.
2. How do you see your role as a mentor or trainer impacting the next generation of surgeons in hernia repair?
Mentoring is a privilege and a responsibility. By sharing my experiences, successes, and challenges, I hope to inspire confidence in the next generation of surgeons. My aim is to equip them with not just technical expertise but also critical thinking skills and a patient-centred approach. It’s deeply fulfilling to see surgeons grow in their capabilities and contribute to the global improvement of hernia surgery outcomes.
3. Did you find any specific methods or strategies from the course particularly effective in enhancing your mentoring/trainer skills?
Absolutely. The course emphasized hands-on, practical training complemented by reflective discussions. Role-playing challenging scenarios and providing constructive feedback were particularly effective strategies. These methods taught me to approach mentoring with a balance of technical rigour and emotional intelligence, ensuring mentees feel both challenged and supported.
4. Has the course influenced your approach to teaching and mentoring and can you tell how?
Yes, the course reinforced the importance of active engagement and adaptability in teaching. Fresh off completing the Train the Trainer course, we launched the largest nationwide educational program in Poland (Hernia Master). I made a conscious effort to implement the techniques I had learned while training the qualified participants. I paid particular attention to the concepts of briefing and debriefing—engaging in discussions with participants before and afterwards to explore what they had learned, what they would change, and their future expectations.
5. How do you think the course contributes to the overall vision and goals of the EHS Education and courses?
The course aligns perfectly with EHS’s vision of advancing surgical excellence and education. By equipping mentors with effective teaching strategies, it ensures that knowledge and skills are consistently and comprehensively transferred across generations of surgeons. This creates a ripple effect of improved patient care and innovation in hernia surgery. EHS has recently made what could be described as a significant leap forward in this area. I look with great admiration at the achievements and ideas of the Education Wing (sometimes with healthy “envy”). I would like to implement some of these solutions within our Polish Hernia Society.
6. In your opinion, how can EHS initiatives like this course strengthen the quality and consistency of hernia surgery training across Europe?
EHS initiatives establish a unified standard of excellence in hernia surgery training, bridging gaps across countries and institutions. By fostering collaboration and providing access to the latest techniques and research, these programs ensure that surgeons across Europe can deliver consistently high-quality care. The emphasis on mentoring also builds a culture of continuous learning, which is crucial for sustaining progress in this field. As the president of the Polish Hernia Society, I would advocate for the creation of an EHS-managed system of branches in individual countries, especially among associated members. It seems that things are already moving in this direction. On my part, I can offer full support and further dissemination of EHS ideas and scientific programs within our domain.
