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As part of the institute’s pioneering role as one of the most prominent research and medical institutions in Egypt and the region, and in line with its continuous commitment to improving the quality of medical education and enhancing surgeons’ skills using the latest global techniques, the General Surgery Department at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute organized a three-day intensive program entitled “Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Hands-On Bootcamp.” 

The program was held under the patronage of Prof. Ahmed Abdel- Aziz, Director of Theodor Bilharz Research Institute and Chairman of the Board, in collaboration with the Egyptian Society of Surgeons headed by Prof. Tarek Ibrahim, and under the supervision of Prof. Hesham El-Meligy, Head of the General Surgery Department.
This training program is considered the first of its kind in Egypt and the Middle East, as it offers trainees real hands-on experience in laparoscopic surgery inside operating rooms under the full supervision of leading laparoscopic surgeons in Egypt and the region.
The program included advanced scientific lectures and hands-on operative training, with the participation of a distinguished group of expert surgeons, including:
Prof. Ahmed Abdel-Aziz, Institute Director; Prof. Mohamed Saeed, Head of the Clinical Surgical Division; Prof. Hesham El-Meligy, Head of the General Surgery Department; and Prof. Ahmed Shokry, Professor of Laparoscopic Surgery and a pioneer in laparoscopic training in Egypt and the Middle East. 

Also participating were: Prof. Tarek Ibrahim, President of the Egyptian Society of Surgeons; Prof. Atef Abdelghani, Secretary of the Society; as well as several faculty members from the institute, including Prof. Emad Esmat, Prof. Youssef Farouk, and Prof. Mohamed Abbas. The program additionally featured experts who delivered specialized lectures covering the latest global guidelines for laparoscopic surgery, biliary anatomy, management of bile duct injuries, and handling critical surgical cases, including Prof. Amr Mostafa, Prof. Mohamed El-Ashry, Dr. Mahmoud Rady, Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Hady, and Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Haleem. 

Hands-on training was conducted using advanced Pelvitrainer simulators (Sutures Training and Wet Lab), enabling trainees to apply international standards of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, gain precise technical skills, and handle laparoscopic equipment and instruments efficiently. The training also included simulated emergency scenarios to prepare trainees for real-life situations in a safe and controlled learning environment under expert supervision. 

The Anesthesia Department, led by Prof. Mohamed Zidan, played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the practical training by providing the highest standards of patient safety during operative sessions. 

The entire event was professionally coordinated to ensure smooth and efficient program delivery under the leadership of Prof. Mohamed Saeed, along with members of the General Surgery Department, nursing staff, and operating room teams. 

Prof. Ahmed Abdel-Aziz, Institute Director and Chairman of the Board, emphasized that organizing this program aligns with the institute’s strategic plan to expand specialized training programs aimed at advancing laparoscopic surgery in Egypt. He stressed that investing in physician training is the cornerstone of improving the healthcare system and enhancing the quality of medical services. He added that the institute is committed to providing an integrated educational environment that combines up-to-date scientific knowledge with direct hands-on practice, ensuring the graduation of surgeons capable of managing diverse surgical scenarios with high efficiency.
He also stated that the institute is working to consolidate its position as a leading center for advanced surgical training and plans to expand its specialized programs in the near future to cover new surgical fields in line with the rapid global development in medical sciences. 

The program concluded with a large participation from young surgeons from various medical institutions inside Egypt and from abroad (Chad, Sudan, and Palestine). Participants received accredited certificates after three days of intensive training designed to impart high-level practical skills that meet international standards. Shields of appreciation were also presented to the trainers.
The program received wide praise for its rich scientific content, strong practical component, and professional organization—reflecting the institute’s commitment to supporting continuous medical education and preparing highly qualified surgical professionals capable of strengthening the healthcare system in Egypt.