The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining moment for the world, disrupting lives, routines, and countless professional endeavours. For us, it put a halt to our much-loved onsite hands-on training programs, leaving a gap that we were eager to fill. However, the path to restarting was not as straightforward as we had hoped. My commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies in our Med-Tech lab further delayed the resumption of these programs. Yet, I am delighted to share that we have finally taken the first step toward revival with the “Master the Mastoid” program—a journey that has been both rewarding and enlightening.
Reigniting Hands-On Training
The “Master the Mastoid” program was designed with a dual purpose: to re-establish our legacy of hands-on training while embracing innovation to enhance learning experiences. The challenge of procuring anatomical specimens led us to limit the dissection opportunities to only 10 participants, ensuring a focused and high-quality hands-on experience. Recognizing the demand and enthusiasm for learning, we extended observer positions to a larger audience, allowing more participants to benefit from the course’s exhaustive lectures and live demonstrations.
To engage both hands-on participants and observers, we invested in advanced technology, including beam splitters, microscope cameras, and monitors. These tools enabled observers to follow the dissections in detail, ensuring their experience was as immersive as possible. Additionally, I personally conducted a four-hour live temporal bone dissection, providing in-depth explanations of every landmark, emphasizing drilling techniques, and highlighting procedural nuances. This demonstration was a cornerstone of the program, offering a comprehensive learning opportunity to all attendees.
Structured Learning with Clear Goals
Understanding the complexities of temporal bone anatomy and dissection, we provided all participants with a goal and objective chart. This tool served as a guide to help participants prepare in advance, identify key landmarks, and perform their dissections systematically. The structured approach ensured that every participant, regardless of their prior experience, gained confidence and competence in handling temporal bone anatomy.
Feedback: A Catalyst for Growth
No program is complete without feedback, and we took deliberate steps to gather it anonymously to ensure honesty and authenticity. The responses were overwhelmingly positive, with all participants except two rating 5/5 in the following categories:
- Overall Course Experience
- Online Didactic Lectures
- Hands-On Dissection Sessions
- Observer Experience (if applicable)
- Quality of Course Materials
- Interaction with Faculty
- Use of Technology (Microscope cameras, online platform)
However, the feedback also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in two aspects:
- Certain parts of the lectures were not effective:
Some technical issues with the online platform affected the delivery of a few sessions. While the majority of the lectures were well-received, we acknowledge that these challenges impacted the overall experience for some participants.
- Inadequate interaction with observers:
Despite providing monitors and beam splitters, our primary focus remained on the hands-on participants. Observers felt that their engagement could have been enhanced through better interaction and attention.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Every teaching program we conduct is as much a learning experience for us as it is for the participants. The insights gained from this feedback are invaluable, and we are committed to addressing these concerns in future courses. Here are the specific steps we plan to take:
- Improving Lecture Quality: We will ensure that all online lectures are pre-tested for technical soundness, and we will provide additional training to faculty on delivering effective virtual sessions. Backup resources and troubleshooting support will also be enhanced to prevent disruptions.
- Enhancing Observer Engagement: Observers are integral to the learning ecosystem, and we will take deliberate steps to ensure they feel equally valued. Future programs will include dedicated Q&A sessions, interactive discussions, and focused attention from faculty to observers.
Celebrating Success and Gratitude
Despite the challenges, the “Master the Mastoid” program was a resounding success, and I am deeply grateful to all who contributed to its fruition. From the participants who trusted us with their learning journey to the dedicated faculty and staff who worked tirelessly to deliver excellence, every effort was instrumental in making this program a reality.
It was particularly special for me as we hosted the program on 5th January 2025, which also marked my 57th birthday. Celebrating this milestone with my family, staff, and participants who travelled from across the country was an unforgettable experience—one that reminded me of the power of community, resilience, and shared purpose.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the success of this program, we are inspired to continue evolving and improving. Future iterations of the “Master the Mastoid” program will not only address the feedback received but also incorporate new innovations and techniques to ensure we remain at the forefront of medical education.
To those who participated and provided feedback, thank you for being a part of this journey. Your support and insights are what drive us to strive for excellence. To those who couldn’t join this time, we look forward to welcoming you in our future programs as we continue to master the art and science of temporal bone anatomy and surgery.
Dr. Prahlada N. B
MBBS (JJMMC), MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh).
MBA in Healthcare & Hospital Management (BITS, Pilani),
Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Leadership and Innovation (MIT, USA)
Executive Programme in Strategic Management (IIM, Lucknow)
Senior Management Programme in Healthcare Management (IIM, Kozhikode)
Advanced Certificate in AI for Digital Health and Imaging Program (IISc, Bengaluru).
Senior Professor and former Head,
Department of ENT-Head & Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Cochlear Implant Surgery.
Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India.
My Vision: I don’t want to be a genius. I want to be a person with a bundle of experience.
My Mission: Help others achieve their life’s objectives in my presence or absence!
My Values: Creating value for others.
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Sir, would love to get trained by you. When is the next Temporal bone workshops?? Lrt me know
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