Is Mexico Pioneering Next-Generation Surgical Techniques?

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe that an exclusive focus on healthcare allows us to tackle the world’s most challenging health issues. This is why we innovate across the entire spectrum of healthcare solutions, both present and future.

Today, the rapid advancement of science and technology has profoundly transformed the field of medicine, and Mexico is included in this revolution. Globally, continuous medical education has been proven to ensure the relevance of clinical competencies, maintaining high standards, and improving patient outcomes. 

In Mexico, for example, according to the Mexican Association of General Surgery, over 60% of elective surgeries in tertiary-level hospitals are performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy, which has significantly reduced recovery times and improved patients’ quality of life(1). 

Medicine has undergone a radical transformation in recent years. The emergence of new technologies like artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and advanced medical devices has changed the way we diagnose, treat, and monitor diseases. For doctors, this represents an opportunity to improve patient outcomes, offer evidence-based treatments, and utilize cutting-edge techniques that make surgeries less invasive, with more predictable results and faster recovery times.

Educational institutions, health institutes, and the industry play a crucial role in promoting and implementing strategies to facilitate access to high-quality continuous medical education. This includes creating online training programs, fostering public-private partnerships, and developing incentives to motivate doctors to participate in professional development activities.

At Johnson & Johnson MedTech, we recognize the importance of continuous medical education and are committed to supporting healthcare professionals on their path to excellence. In Mexico, we do this through our initiatives and the promotion of global best practices in education, utilizing disruptive technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, telementoring, and state-of-the-art simulators at our Innovation Room training center.

We work closely with academic institutions and medical societies to benefit approximately 2,600 students and healthcare professionals in Mexico City each year, ensuring that our programs reflect the needs and realities of doctors in Mexico. Additionally, we integrate programs to facilitate small-group training, addressing the growing demand for education in laparoscopic surgery, a technique increasingly favored for its minimally invasive approach.

A couple of years ago, we identified an opportunity to create an innovative, technologically advanced space to meet these training needs. Thanks to key partnerships, with top hospitals, public and private universities, and the Mexican Association of General Surgery AC, we have driven innovative educational methodologies for medical professionals in training in Mexico.

Today, we aim to accelerate the adoption of innovative medical devices and provide training to doctors, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals using cutting-edge technology, including virtual reality in the metaverse. This allows for the practice of surgical procedures in a controlled environment, preparing doctors to face the challenges of the future.

We firmly believe that by equipping doctors with the necessary tools and knowledge, we are not only improving the quality of healthcare in Mexico but also empowering professionals to stay at the forefront of an ever-evolving field. According to data from the Mexican Association of Innovative Medical Device Industries (AMID), Mexico, with an annual investment of approximately US$2.5 billion in state-of-the-art medical technology, is demonstrating its commitment and potential for innovation in healthcare.

We are dedicated to making continuous medical education accessible and effective, contributing to a future where innovation and quality healthcare go hand in hand. We invite all stakeholders in the healthcare sector to join this effort, so together we can ensure that Mexican patients benefit from the latest scientific and technological advancements.

Sources:

1. IMSS, Cirugía de Mínima Invasión: https://www.imss.gob.mx/sites/all/statics/coleccion-80/dpm/tomo-13-cirugia-de-minima-invasion.pdf