Wednesday, May 24, 2023
The symposium, held last week by Young Medical Delta, brought together experts and enthusiasts from the medical technology field to explore the theme of 'Accessibility to and through MedTech'. Chaired by Medical Delta President Prof. Dr. Frank Willem Jansen, the symposium catalyzed discussions and networking among students and young scientists in the medical technology domain.
Orthopedic surgery is a discipline where technological applications lead to groundbreaking developments, as demonstrated by Dr. Jasper Gerbers, a fellow in orthopedic oncology at LUMC, during his lecture. He showcased the potential of 3D-printed custom-made prostheses for repairing complex hip defects while minimizing further bone loss. Jasper also demonstrated how the use of image-based computer navigation and 3D-printed surgical guides helps preserve joints. By passing around examples of prostheses, he prompted attendees to reflect on the optimal materials for minimizing complications. Jasper's presentation offered a glimpse into the promising future of orthopedics and the indispensable role of technology in it.
Accessibility of healthcare
Isra Al-Dhahir, a Medical Delta PhD candidate in the scientific program Medical Delta eHealth & Self-management for a healthy society, focused her presentation on the accessibility of healthcare, particularly for individuals with lower socioeconomic positions (SEPs). Her contribution highlighted the crucial role of eHealth in making healthcare understandable and accessible to everyone. Isra specializes in the development and implementation of eHealth interventions for lifestyle changes. Her research aims to eliminate barriers that socially marginalized populations face when using such interventions.
Her lecture underscored the potential of eHealth to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system. Isra emphasized the importance of the role that healthcare professionals play in effectively implementing eHealth solutions.
The symposium concluded with an interactive case study, where participants brainstormed creative ideas for an intervention to improve the accessibility of care for the fictional Mrs. Lopez, a 75-year-old woman in need of a total hip prosthesis in the year 2050. The on-site formed working groups were challenged to consider quality, affordability, and ecological footprint while incorporating medical-technological possibilities. The winners were selected based on the criteria of originality, feasibility, and practical implementation and received a nice prize.
