A new era of surgical mentorship: Telementoring for rural gynaecology in Australia

Across rural Australia, an innovative program is transforming how gynaecology surgeons train and connect with mentors. Responding to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Madeleine Ward in collaboration with Obstetrics & Gynaecology Ballarat (OGB) and funded by The Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery (AGES) Society trialled Virtual Interactive Presence and Augmented Reality (VIPAR) technology. The project, supported by OGB Directors Dr Russell Dalton, along with Drs Michael Bardsley and Michael Carter, piloted a remote mentorship approach to support surgeons in regional areas.

Addressing a Longstanding Need in Rural Healthcare

Surgeons in rural settings have long faced barriers to accessing experienced mentors for advanced training. These challenges intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted in-person mentoring and created a need for solutions that could provide support for gynaecology surgeons in regional areas. The VIPAR system offered a compelling answer: by enabling real time, remote mentorship, it connected surgeons in theatre with experienced mentors located far away. Through live video on iPads and an augmented reality interface, mentees could receive step by step guidance during procedures, improving their confidence and skills while working within rural communities.

Dr Annie Tan, an obstetrician gynaecologist who lives and works in regional Victoria, expressed the positive impact VIPAR could have on her practice and training. Operating across multiple rural health sites and teaching with the Deakin University Rural Clinical School of Medicine, she sees the technology as a significant asset for patients and future doctors alike. “It would be an incredible resource for rural health, helping both patients and the next generation of doctors. I’d love to see this technology available to support the training of our junior doctors and medical students.”

Findings from the Pilot: Strengthening Surgical Skills and Confidence

The pilot revealed that VIPAR could play a critical role in supporting rural surgeons, with 96% of participants reporting a positive impact on their procedural skills. Moreover, participants found VIPAR practical and unobtrusive in the theatre environment. Dr Michael Bardsley shared his observations, noting, “It empowered everyone to seek help and assistance when required; the technology was very suitable for the purposes needed.”

Dr Michael Carter, originally from a rural town, recognised VIPAR’s value in addressing the isolation many rural practitioners experience. “Rural healthcare can often feel isolating, and VIPAR provides a vital link for support and guidance that is otherwise difficult to access,” Dr Carter shared. “With this technology, we’re not just supporting practitioners; we’re enabling patients to receive safe, specialised care closer to home.”

A Future Vision: Making Telementoring Standard in Rural Care

With the pilot’s success, there is a clear vision for VIPAR to become a standard component of rural surgical training, aligning with OGB and AGES’ commitment to health equity and excellence. With over 30 years in rural women’s healthcare, Dr Dalton sees VIPAR as essential in addressing the urgent need to improve access to women’s healthcare in rural Australia. “We’re building a supportive environment for training and growth in rural settings,” he explained. “The mentorship VIPAR provides can make a real difference, encouraging junior doctors to consider long term careers where they’re most needed – to provide quality women’s health services across rural communities.”

This pilot demonstrates that technology, combined with dedicated mentorship, can be a powerful equaliser in healthcare. By connecting surgeons with expert mentors regardless of geography, VIPAR has laid the foundation for a future where mentorship and training standards are accessible to all. In paving this path, Dr Ward, hopes to highlight how innovation and commitment can elevate rural healthcare and bring new hope to communities across Australia