Pilsen offers unique hands-on training course in surgery for international students
Dozens of medical students from around the world gathered in Pilsen this summer to take part in an intensive course in experimental surgery. The program gives them valuable hands-on-training in a wide range of surgical techniques performed on live pigs.
The International Summer School of Experimental Surgery, organized by the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, is now in its twelfth year and more competitive than ever: out of nearly 70 applicants, only 33 were accepted.
Participants came from twelve countries, including Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, India, Canada, Greece, Spain, and the United States.
The two-week program combines lectures with hands-on training. Students begin with theoretical instruction before moving to the operating table, where they practice a range of surgical techniques—from routine procedures like tying off blood vessels and tissue dissection, to more advanced operations such as laparotomy and the removal of kidneys or gallbladders.
Live pigs are used for the training. The animals are placed under general anesthesia and given full pain management throughout the procedures.
“At the end of the training sessions, the animals are not brought out of anesthesia—they are humanely euthanized while still unconscious,” said Ondřej Vyčítal, a surgeon from Pilsen University Hospital and one of the instructors.
The summer school aims not only to sharpen surgical skills, but also to foster international cooperation and exchange among future doctors.
For info on the course go to: https://www.sses.eu/
