Workshops

Department: Wenckebach Institute for Education and Training

Supervisor:  Monique Timmer, Instructor ERC / NRR CPR-Instructor

This active, hands-on workshop enables participants to practise and perfect resuscitation skills, including the use of an AED, in small groups (3–4 people). The emphasis is on learning by doing: participants actively perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and receive real-time feedback on the quality of their compressions, focusing on depth, speed, and consistency. Observers evaluate the resuscitation process, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in a collaborative and reflective environment.

Participants also gain insights into leadership roles in resuscitation teams and effective team
coaching—key skills for medical professionals. Practical application focuses on CPR guidelines,
including pushing hard (5–6 cm), pushing fast (100–120 compressions per minute), and minimising
interruptions.

For further information, participants are encouraged to visit the European Resuscitation Council
(ERC) website: www.erc.edu and an international campaign for CPR awareness: life-saver.org.uk.

Department: Research Institute of Pharmacy; Pharmaceutical Analysis group

Supervisors: Drs. Ing. P.P.M.F.A Mulder, F. Alleblas, BSc, Prof. E.M.J. Verpoorte, PhD

Over the past few decades, lab-on-a-chip technologies have made significant inroads into
laboratories, focusing on the development of rapid chemical and bioanalytical analyses using
minimal sample volumes. Micro- and nanotechnologies are employed to construct interconnected
microchannel networks in planar substrates, forming microfluidic devices that replace conventional chemical vessels, such as beakers and columns. These devices enable ultra-small volume (from µL to nL) liquid handling. Small handheld analysers are one result of this innovation, suitable for medical diagnostics, agriculture, environmental studies, and other applications.

In the last fifteen years, lab-on-a-chip technologies have also found increasing application in cell biology, where microenvironments can be engineered to mimic in vivo conditions. These
advancements enable the creation of tissue constructs or even actual tissue samples in physiological configurations using specialised lab-on-a-chip systems, known as ‘organ-on-a-chip’ or ‘human-on-a-chip’ systems. These systems allow for improved study of in vivo processes in vitro and provide insights into drug toxicity and complex inter-organ regulatory pathways.

This workshop will provide participants with a glimpse into how laboratories actively contribute to the development of lab-on-a-chip systems for sensing, analytical chemistry, cell culture, and analysis. Participants will witness the fabrication of these devices, learn the fundamentals of microfluidics, and engage in discussions about potential medical applications of lab-on-a-chip technologies with researchers.

Department: Genderteam UMCG

Supervisor: A. G. Schuringa

Transgender people experience a mismatch between their gender identity or gender expression and their assigned sex. ‘Transgender’ is an umbrella term: in addition to including trans men and trans women (whose binary gender identity is the opposite of their assigned sex), it may also include genderqueer people, whose identities are not exclusively masculine or feminine, for example: bigender, pangender, genderfluid, or agender).

Since the late ‘70s the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) in the Netherlands has offered a treatment programme for transgender people, according to the professional standards of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH). Once patients have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria by the psychiatrist, the ‘real-life phase’ starts. This includes living according to their gender identity and starting cross-sex hormone therapy. When the ‘real-life phase’ has been successfully completed, , one can apply for sex reassignment surgery. After these operations, lifelong continuation of cross-sex hormone therapy is needed to maintain the secondary sex characteristics of the desired gender.

What does the transition contain and cause physically, mentally, and socially and how can
we guide the patients in this process? During this workshop, participants will be able to ask
questions to a member of the UMCG Gender team and a transgender patient.

Department: Human Movement Sciences

Supervisors: Thijs Tankink and Rifko Kurnianto

The foot-ankle system of the human species is unique and facilitates our bipedal gait. Personalised footwear could be used to enhance the function of the ankle-foot complex. One way to enhance the ankle complex is to personalise the rocker profile of a shoe, i.e, the curvature of the heel and forefoot of the shoe. Changing the rocker profile of a shoe could lead to more efficient power production of calf muscles or influence gait stability.

In this workshop, participants will investigate how different rocker profiles affect walking biomechanics by using experimental shoes with a tuneable rocker profile and a state-of-the-art motion capture system: the GRAIL. The workshop starts with a demonstration of calibrating the system. Afterwards, a gait analysis will be performed. A participant will walk on the treadmill of the GRAIL with different shoe designs. Finally, the collected data will be analysed to see how different rocker profiles affect gait kinematics and
kinetics.

Department: Children’s Orthopaedics

Supervisors: Femke Hagenmaier and Mareille Kruse-Bolwijn

Did you know that immobilisation of injured limbs dates back as early as 1600 BC? From self-setting embalming bandages used by the Egyptians to wax and resin used by Hippocrates, casting materials have greatly evolved over the centuries. Nowadays synthetic casts are more often used, but the plaster of Paris developed by Dutch military surgeon Anthonius Mathijsen in 1852 has not yet gone out of fashion.

In this hands-on workshop, the instructors will elaborate on the different casting materials, their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, you will learn about the biomechanical aspects of fracture reduction and stabilisation. Additionally, you will be able to practice basic techniques as you apply a cast on your fellow students. We look forward to welcoming you in the plaster room!

Department: Radiotherapy

Supervisor: Christian Hammer MD

Radiotherapy is one of the pillars of the treatment of oncology patients, next to surgery and systemic therapy. In the Netherlands, this specialty is developing very fast, resulting in the introduction of new indications for treatment with state-of-the-art techniques to optimally treat cancer with minimal side effects.

One of the most important innovations is proton therapy. The University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) was the first institute that started this new technique in the Netherlands, back in 2018.

Proton therapy is a relatively new method to treat patients with radiation, as protons have special characteristics to inflict DNA damage without further passing through the body, as photons do. This makes it possible to inflict less damage to the healthy organs surrounding the tumor.

The workshop entails an interactive presentation where input from the audience will be sought in several clinical urological cases in which new techniques were applied and provided basic insights into the treatment principles of cancer.

Supervisor: M. de Bree MSc en W. Binnekamp MSc.

Donor organ quality has recently been decreasing because of an ageing population and a rising BMI. In the coming years, more and more donor organs are expected to be declined for transplantation. Therefore, there is a need for a method to increase the pool of good-quality organs. Machine perfusion offers the possibility of viability testing and resuscitation of organs of suboptimal quality that would otherwise be discarded, increasing the quality and number of usable organs. Machine perfusion is becoming a standard way of organ preservation, and the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) is leading this field. Many initially declined organs in the Netherlands are currently tested in the UMCG by machine perfusion. Many of the previously declined livers are now actually transplanted with very good results. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn about machine perfusion and the anatomy of perfused organs. They will practice preparing (porcine) donor organs for ‘transplantation’ and perfusion. Afterwards, they will see how well they had done the preparations when some of their organs are placed on the pump in a demonstration of machine perfusion.

Department: Rehabilitation Science

Supervisors: PULSE Racing Team VIII

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is revolutionising rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI), enabling them to cycle using their own paralysed leg muscles. This groundbreaking technology enhances mobility, muscle strength, blood flow, cardiorespiratory fitness, and mental well-being, offering a holistic approach to recovery. FES exemplifies ISCOMS’ core themes: as ‘Next-gen Technology, it leverages advanced bioengineering to convert electrical impulses into muscle movement, reshaping rehabilitation possibilities. As a tool for ‘Personalised Medicine,’ PULSE Racing tailors FES cycling to individual needs by adjusting stimulation patterns and training schemes. On a global scale, it promotes ‘Global Health, Equity, and Justice’ by making this innovative form of rehabilitation known to people worldwide, fostering greater equity in healthcare for those with SCI. PULSE Racing, based at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), keeps developing FES technology and improving its accessibility for people with SCI. The team has earned recognition for their work in rehabilitation and para-sports, securing top honors at Lyon Cyber Days and second place at the 2024 Cybathlon.

Why Join the PULSE Racing Workshop?
· Inspiring Presentation: Discover how FES technology is changing the landscape of SCI rehabilitation.
· Live Demonstration: Watch an athlete use FES to activate their paralyzed muscles and cycle in real time.
· Interactive Experience: Experience FES firsthand by trying electrical stimulation and feeling how it activates muscles.
· Connect with Innovators: Meet the PULSE Racing team and athletes, and learn about their
perspective on FES as a groundbreaking healthcare innovation.

Already want to learn more about us? Take a glimpse at the PULSE Racing team and its innovations through our LinkedIn (PULSERacingVU) or instagram (pulse.racingnl)! Join us to explore the future of rehabilitation, where technology, personalized care, and global equity converge to create a more harmonious future for healthcare.

Department: 3D-lab / Orthopedic Surgery / Trauma Surgery

Supervisors:
● Tuesday: Joep Kraeima, Anne Meesters, Reinier ten Brink, Nick Assink (Technical Physicians
and 3D Specialists), Danique Smelt (Technical Physician Student)
● Wednesday: Anne Meesters, Sander Tabernée Heijtmeijer, Nick Assink (Technical Physicians
and 3D Specialists), Mirka Buist (Design Specialist), Danique Smelt (Technical Physician Student)
● Thursday: Peter Pijpker, Sander Tabernée Heijtmeijer, Fleur van der Kaaij (Technical Physicians and 3D Specialists), Suzanne van Wees (Design Specialist), Danique Smelt (Technical Physician Student)

At the UMCG, 3D virtual surgical planning technology is frequently used across multiple disciplines. This technology ensures safer, faster, and more accurate surgical procedures. The Technical Physicians at the 3D-Lab plan complex cases daily, transferring virtual surgical plans to the operating theatre with precision through the use of 3D-printed, patient-specific instrumentation and implants. One notable application is 3D-guided, patient-specific corrective limb osteotomy. These surgeries address bone deformities in three dimensions. With 3D planning and printing, the anatomy can be visualised in 3D, and the osteotomy can be precisely planned using CT scans. Patient-specific instruments guide the cutting and repositioning processes, enabling more predictable outcomes.

This workshop includes two parts:
1. Learning the basics of virtual surgical planning, where participants virtually plan a corrective limb osteotomy.
2. Hands-on simulated surgery using sawbones to practise with patient-specific 3D-printed instruments.

Participants can also experience 3D virtual surgical planning through augmented reality glasses
(HoloLens).

Department: Department of Critical Care, UMCG

Supervisors: E. Buitenwerf fellow-ICU and E. Metz

Implementation of interdisciplinary teams in the ICU to provide care in often life-threatening situations, focused attention on the relevance of leadership behaviour. Effective, coordinated, and safe patient care challenge even the most experienced ICU teams daily. Leadership behaviour can be described as the process of guiding others to recognise and align with what needs to be done and how to achieve it, while also supporting both individual and collective efforts to reach common goals.

Simulation training is useful for teaching team-based crisis management skills and is now considered essential in developing and maintaining competencies for ICU workers.

In our high fidelity Simulation Center, participants of the workshop will become familiar with some stepwise elements of the treatment, such as resuscitation and airway management of critically ill patients. The non-technical skills such as leadership, communication, and cooperation are also emphasised. The experiences may contribute to the development of knowledge and skills in decision-making and teamwork during the treatment of critically ill patients.

Department: General Surgery, UMCG

Supervisor: B. van den Hengel, MD, MBA

Bowel resections are common in abdominal surgery, and creating an anastomosis (connecting two ends of the bowel) is a standard procedure. This workshop covers the different types of anastomoses and suturing techniques, along with their associated challenges.

The programme includes a hands-on session where students practise creating intestinal anastomoses, gaining an understanding of the techniques and common pitfalls. By the end of the workshop, participants will have enhanced their practical knowledge and skills in this critical area of surgery.

Department: Research Support Facility – Central Animal Facility

Supervisors: Annemieke van Oosten PhD, Michel Weij Ing, Daryll Eichhorn Ing

In recent years, surgical techniques have become increasingly sophisticated, necessitating training and education. This workshop focuses on teaching students the correct handling of surgical instruments and proper suturing techniques, providing an opportunity to practise the fine art of suturing. Participants gain practical experience while developing precision and dexterity critical to surgical procedures.

Department: Data Science CEnter in Health (DASH), UMCG

Supervisors: Kai Yu Ma, Dorien Neijzen, Wieke Bouwes

How can we teach an AI model to recognise medical images? In this workshop, we will start with a brief introduction to the fast-developing field of AI in healthcare. You will have the opportunity to train your own AI model for image recognition. In a simple way, you will experience how this model is trained and how input (their training data) influences the output.

Through a demonstration, you will explore how different characteristics of their training data can impact the AI’s performance. We will also discuss both the opportunities and challenges of using AI in clinical settings. What are the benefits of using AI for image recognition? Where can things go wrong, and to what extent do we need human oversight?

Participants who bring their own laptop, can try it out themself! If you already have some image data that can be used for classification, feel free to bring it with you and experience the (im)possibilities of using a simplistic AI model. No laptop? No problem! You can follow along with our demonstration.

Department: Wenckebach Institute for Education and Training

Supervisor:  Monique Timmer, Instructor ERC / NRR CPR-Instructor

This active, hands-on workshop enables participants to practise and perfect resuscitation skills, including the use of an AED, in small groups (3–4 people). The emphasis is on learning by doing: participants actively perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and receive real-time feedback on the quality of their compressions, focusing on depth, speed, and consistency. Observers evaluate the resuscitation process, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in a collaborative and reflective environment.

Participants also gain insights into leadership roles in resuscitation teams and effective team
coaching—key skills for medical professionals. Practical application focuses on CPR guidelines,
including pushing hard (5–6 cm), pushing fast (100–120 compressions per minute), and minimising
interruptions.

For further information, participants are encouraged to visit the European Resuscitation Council
(ERC) website: www.erc.edu and an international campaign for CPR awareness: life-saver.org.uk.

Department: Psychiatry, UMCG

Supervisor: F. D. van Es, MD

Psychosis is a psychiatric term describing a mental state often characterised by a loss of contact with reality. Patients experiencing psychosis may report hallucinations (perceiving things that are not present) or delusional beliefs (false interpretations of reality). The combination of these symptoms often results in significant disruptions in perception, thinking, emotions, and behaviour. Severe episodes may also manifest as unusual or bizarre behaviour, difficulties with social interactions, and impairments in daily life activities. As a result, patients with psychosis may find themselves in hostile environments and are in need of empathetic care and medical expertise.

This workshop offered participants the opportunity to engage with both a psychiatrist and a patient who had experienced psychosis, allowing for open discussions and deeper understanding of this complex condition. Topics included addressing patients’ needs, reducing stigma, and promoting health and social recovery.

Department: Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen

Supervisors: Vera van Aalst MD

Plastic surgeons perform a variety of different reconstructive and esthetic procedures. These vary from basic wound care to extensive reconstructions after tissue loss or removal due to trauma or disease, like cancer. Plastic surgeons at University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), collaborate with many different medical specialists. Considering the high incidence of breast cancer, (more than 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer in their lifetime) a large part of our practice focuses on breast reconstruction after cancer removal. The surgeons perform these reconstructions using a patients’ own tissue, or implants. Tissue expanders are often used to expand skin and other soft tissues to create a pocket in which to place a permanent implant or to obtain more tissue to cover a defect.

The main goal of this workshop is to familiarise participants with different treatment options available for breast reconstruction. Specifically, they learn how to use tissue expanders for use in breast reconstruction.

Department: Genetics

Supervisors: Kai Yu Ma PhD & Willemien van Zwol PhD

Join us to unravel the complexities of gene-editing! Tailored for students with little to no background in gene-editing, this hands-on workshop demystifies the molecular mechanisms behind this groundbreaking technology. You will gain a foundational understanding of how gene-editing works, exploring its potential and limitations in a medical context. We’ll address burning questions, such as the current state of gene-editing in health care, offering insights into what’s currently possible and what remains science fiction.

Department: Children’s Orthopaedics

Supervisors: Femke Hagenmaier and Mareille Kruse-Bolwijn

Did you know that immobilisation of injured limbs dates back as early as 1600 BC? From self-setting embalming bandages used by the Egyptians to wax and resin used by Hippocrates, casting materials have greatly evolved over the centuries. Nowadays synthetic casts are more often used, but the plaster of Paris developed by Dutch military surgeon Anthonius Mathijsen in 1852 has not yet gone out of fashion.

In this hands-on workshop, the instructors will elaborate on the different casting materials, their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, you will learn about the biomechanical aspects of fracture reduction and stabilisation. Additionally, you will be able to practice basic techniques as you apply a cast on your fellow students. We look forward to welcoming you in the plaster room!

Department: Anatomy & Medical Physiology, Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, UMCG

Supervisors: Janniko Georgiadis, PhD

Dissection of the human body in general and of the brain in particular is an underexposed part of the average medical curriculum. In this context, the workshop ‘Dissection of the human brain’ will address this omission. The workshop will be organised in the dissection room of the Anatomy Department of the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) and is especially intended for students with a special interest in the brain.

The workshop will start with the inspection of the external parts of the human brain. The morphology of meninges, blood vessels, and neocortical areas were central topics. Subsequently, transversal and horizontal sections of fixated human brains were used to inspect the inner parts of the brain. Attention was paid to the three-dimensional location of the cortical, extrapyramidal, and limbic structures. At the end of the workshop, students had gained a better insight into the structure and function of the human brain.

Department: Cardiothoracic Surgery and Cardiology, UMCG

Supervisors: Dr. Y. Blaauw MD PhD and Dr. W. Bouma MD PhD

Atrial fibrillation is a growing global health issue linked to significant morbidity and mortality. This workshop focuses on the basic anatomy of the heart and its role in the aetiology and pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. A clear understanding of cardiac anatomy is essential to comprehend the various invasive treatment options available.

Participants will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of these treatment modalities and gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of atrial fibrillation and its management.

Department: Clinical Training Center, UMCG

Supervisors: Marco A.C. Versluis MD PhD, and Dennis Beekhuis MD

General childbirth, also known as labour, is a unique event showing the miracle and power of nature. Although it is a physiological event of itself, childbirth is one of the most fascinating aspects of medicine, which mostly deals with pathophysiological processes.

Childbirth is the culmination of the gestation and pregnancy period with the expulsion of one or more newborn babies from a women’s uterus into a completely different environment. At that moment, being disconnected from the mother’s circulation after cutting the umbilical cord, the newborn faces a very serious and complicated adaptation of their own circulation to the onset of their own respiratory system.

The process of a normal vaginal human childbirth is categorised into four stages. Stage 1: The onset of birth is initiated by a metabolic change in the infant which causes the release of the hormones needed for uterine contractions. Stage 2: The process of shortening and dilation of the uterine cervix is caused by uterine contractions. This process facilitates the head of the infant to enter the birth canal. Followed by Stage 3: The continuation of uterine contractions with the help of the mother’s pressing, pushing the baby through the birth canal into the baby’s new world,and finally Stage 4: The delivery of the placenta. The expulsion of the placenta mostly starts spontaneously approximately twenty minutes after the occlusion and the cutting of the umbilical cord.

During this workshop more details will be given on monitoring labour, pain control, and problems that may happen before and during delivery including the therapeutic possibilities if these problems occur. You are also given the opportunity to deliver a baby using a mannequin, simulating the real situation.

Department: Rehabilitation Science

Supervisors: PULSE Racing Team VIII

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is revolutionising rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI), enabling them to cycle using their own paralysed leg muscles. This groundbreaking technology enhances mobility, muscle strength, blood flow, cardiorespiratory fitness, and mental well-being, offering a holistic approach to recovery. FES exemplifies ISCOMS’ core themes: as ‘Next-gen Technology, it leverages advanced bioengineering to convert electrical impulses into muscle movement, reshaping rehabilitation possibilities. As a tool for ‘Personalised Medicine,’ PULSE Racing tailors FES cycling to individual needs by adjusting stimulation patterns and training schemes. On a global scale, it promotes ‘Global Health, Equity, and Justice’ by making this innovative form of rehabilitation known to people worldwide, fostering greater equity in healthcare for those with SCI.

PULSE Racing, based at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), keeps developing FES technology and improving its accessibility for people with SCI. The team has earned recognition for their work in rehabilitation and para-sports, securing top honors at Lyon Cyber Days and second place at the 2024 Cybathlon.

Why Join the PULSE Racing Workshop?
· Inspiring Presentation: Discover how FES technology is changing the landscape of SCI rehabilitation.
· Live Demonstration: Watch an athlete use FES to activate their paralyzed muscles and cycle in real time.
· Interactive Experience: Experience FES firsthand by trying electrical stimulation and feeling how it activates muscles.
· Connect with Innovators: Meet the PULSE Racing team and athletes, and learn about their perspective on FES as a groundbreaking healthcare innovation.

Already want to learn more about us? Take a glimpse at the PULSE Racing team and its innovations through our LinkedIn (PULSERacingVU) or instagram (pulse.racingnl)!

Join us to explore the future of rehabilitation, where technology, personalized care, and global equity converge to create a more harmonious future for healthcare.

Department: 3D-lab / Orthopedic Surgery / Trauma Surgery

Supervisors:
Tuesday: Joep Kraeima, Anne Meesters, Reinier ten Brink, Nick Assink (Technical Physicians and 3D Specialists), Danique Smelt (Technical Physician Student)
Wednesday: Anne Meesters, Sander Tabernée Heijtmeijer, Nick Assink (Technical Physicians and 3D Specialists), Mirka Buist (Design Specialist), Danique Smelt (Technical Physician Student)
Thursday: Peter Pijpker, Sander Tabernée Heijtmeijer, Fleur van der Kaaij (Technical Physicians and 3D Specialists), Suzanne van Wees (Design Specialist), Danique Smelt (Technical Physician Student)

At the UMCG, 3D virtual surgical planning technology is frequently used across multiple disciplines. This technology ensures safer, faster, and more accurate surgical procedures. The Technical Physicians at the 3D-Lab plan complex cases daily, transferring virtual surgical plans to the operating theatre with precision through the use of 3D-printed, patient-specific instrumentation and implants.

One notable application is 3D-guided, patient-specific corrective limb osteotomy. These surgeries address bone deformities in three dimensions. With 3D planning and printing, the anatomy can be visualised in 3D, and the osteotomy can be precisely planned using CT scans. Patient-specific instruments guide the cutting and repositioning processes, enabling more predictable outcomes.

This workshop includes two parts:
1. Learning the basics of virtual surgical planning, where participants virtually plan a corrective limb osteotomy.
2. Hands-on simulated surgery using sawbones to practise with patient-specific 3D-printed instruments.

Participants can also experience 3D virtual surgical planning through augmented reality glasses (HoloLens).

Supervisors: G. Volckmann

This hands-on workshop delves into the treatment of fractures, exploring biomechanical aspects of different fixation methods. Participants will practise applying implants to various fracture types, including those of the proximal femur, tibia, and proximal humerus, using medical drills, saws, and surgical kits.

The workshop provides valuable insights into fracture management and helps participants understand the practical application of surgical tools and techniques in trauma cases.

Department: Pharmacotherapy, Epidemiology and Economics, University of Groningen, Netherlands

Supervisor: Prof. K. Taxis, drs. C. Dantuma-Wering

The aim of the workshop is to explore the role of the (community) pharmacist in providing pharmaceutical care to patients focusing on personalised medicine. The workshop begins with a lecture highlighting the potential of pharmacists to improve personalised medicine using examples from Dutch pharmacy practice, such as pharmacogenetic testing. Participants visit simulated community pharmacies operated by pharmacy master’s students at the University of Groningen to observe how they manage personalised medicine. The workshop concludes with a plenary discussion on the future of personalised medicine, with a focus on interprofessional collaboration. Students from various backgrounds are encouraged to participate.

Department: Research Support Facility – Central Animal Facility

Supervisors: Annemieke van Oosten PhD, Michel Weij Ing, Daryll Eichhorn Ing

In recent years, surgical techniques have become increasingly sophisticated, necessitating training and education. This workshop focuses on teaching students the correct handling of surgical instruments and proper suturing techniques, providing an opportunity to practise the fine art of suturing. Participants gain practical experience while developing precision and dexterity critical to surgical procedures.

Department: Biomedical Sciences, Section Anatomy and Medical Physiology

Supervisor: Rob Bakels, PhD

Using surface electrodes (“stick”) we will show the relation between electromyogram (EMG) and force for the first dorsal interosseus (FDI), a small intrinsic hand muscle, in volunteers from the audience. Next, we will determine the conduction velocity in their ulnar nerve, and finally, we will determine reaction time in response to an audible tone and an LED flash, respectively.  What components contribute to reaction time? Why use EMG?

After the surface electrodes, we will switch to a needle electrode (“prick”). This technique will allow us to show the activity of individual motor units in the FDI as force is varied. Hopefully, we will be able to demonstrate the “size principle,” which states that as force increases, motor units are activated from weaker to stronger ones. The supervisor will perform the needle EMG on himself and thus allow the workshop participants a view of real-time motoneuron activity in his spinal cord.

During the workshop, the participants are invited to participate in a quiz, using an online platform.

Department: Wenckebach Institute for Education and Training

Supervisor:  Monique Timmer, Instructor ERC / NRR CPR-Instructor

This active, hands-on workshop enables participants to practise and perfect resuscitation skills, including the use of an AED, in small groups (3–4 people). The emphasis is on learning by doing: participants actively perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and receive real-time feedback on the quality of their compressions, focusing on depth, speed, and consistency. Observers evaluate the resuscitation process, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in a collaborative and reflective environment.

Participants also gain insights into leadership roles in resuscitation teams and effective team
coaching—key skills for medical professionals. Practical application focuses on CPR guidelines,
including pushing hard (5–6 cm), pushing fast (100–120 compressions per minute), and minimising
interruptions.

For further information, participants are encouraged to visit the European Resuscitation Council
(ERC) website: www.erc.edu and an international campaign for CPR awareness: life-saver.org.uk.

Department: Psychiatry, UMCG

Supervisor: F. D. van Es, MD

Psychosis is a psychiatric term describing a mental state often characterised by a loss of contact with reality. Patients experiencing psychosis may report hallucinations (perceiving things that are not present) or delusional beliefs (false interpretations of reality). The combination of these symptoms often results in significant disruptions in perception, thinking, emotions, and behaviour. Severe episodes may also manifest as unusual or bizarre behaviour, difficulties with social interactions, and impairments in daily life activities. As a result, patients with psychosis may find themselves in hostile environments and are in need of empathetic care and medical expertise.

This workshop offered participants the opportunity to engage with both a psychiatrist and a patient who had experienced psychosis, allowing for open discussions and deeper understanding of this complex condition. Topics included addressing patients’ needs, reducing stigma, and promoting health and social recovery.

Department: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, UMCG

Supervisors: Prof. Ruud R.M. Bos DMD PhD and Baucke van Minnen MD

The treatment of mandibular fractures has evolved greatly over the past 50 years. Biomechanical principles that have been developed in laboratory models are applied to clinical practice in order to allow for immediate mobilization and rehabilitation of the injured part. The goal of this workshop is to give insight into the widely accepted treatment modality for mandibular fractures: internal fixation using mini plates and screws. After a short introduction to the principles of mandibular fracture treatment, the participants will perform an osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures in a polyurethane mandible with mini plates and screws.

Department: Genetics

Supervisors: Kai Yu Ma PhD & Willemien van Zwol PhD

Join us to unravel the complexities of gene-editing! Tailored for students with little to no background in gene-editing, this hands-on workshop demystifies the molecular mechanisms behind this groundbreaking technology. You will gain a foundational understanding of how gene-editing works, exploring its potential and limitations in a medical context. We’ll address burning questions, such as the current state of gene-editing in health care, offering insights into what’s currently possible and what remains science fiction.

Department: Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Supervisors: Marco Versluis MD PhD and Girbe Buist PhD

Planetary health is about achieving the highest attainable standard of health, wellbeing, and equity worldwide through judicious attention to the human systems—political, economic, and social—that shape the future of humanity and the Earth’s natural systems that define the safe environmental limits within which humanity can flourish. But what does this mean for the world we live in today and tomorrow, and how do we deal with the dauntingly complex problems characteristic to planetary health?

This workshop is for students of all disciplines. Participants collaborate on real world challenges within the domain of planetary health such as draughts, floods, vector borne diseases, microbial resistance, social justice and maintaining health equity. Using design thinking as an approach, they formulate simple solutions to elements that constitute these challenges. The workshop aims to teach participants about the concept of planetary health, and demonstrates that interdisciplinary collaboration offers opportunities to move forward.

Department: Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, UMCG Prosthetic Dentistry, UMCG

Supervisor:  C. Jensen DMD PhD, G. Telleman DMD PhD.

Losing teeth in the aesthetic zone can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Dental implants restored with ceramic crowns offer a reliable solution, with survival rates ranging from 96.1% to 98.9% after 7.5 years of function. While professionals consider it a sensitive method, patient satisfaction is generally high.

This workshop includes a lecture on dental implant possibilities, treatment steps, and aesthetic outcomes. The second part is a hands-on session, where participants practise placing a dental implant in a model, simulating the surgical procedure. The workshop is supported by Nobel Biocare Netherlands.

Department: Cardiothoracic Surgery, UMCG

Supervisors: Dr. M. Kuijpers MD PhD and Dr. W. Bouma MD PhD

Heart failure is a growing global concern. Historically, heart transplantation was the only effective treatment for end-stage heart failure. However, the implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has become a viable alternative.

This workshop covers the problem of end-stage heart failure, relevant cardiac anatomy, and various LVAD options (emergency implantation and destination therapy). Participants will also observe the implantation technique for an LVAD used in destination therapy, gaining a thorough understanding of the challenges and benefits of this innovative treatment.

Department: Rehabilitation and biomedical engineering

Supervisors: A. Wilhelm PhD and Xueyi Wang PhD

Over the last decades serious gaming has become increasingly more popular in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. To support each individual in the most efficient way many of these games now rely on machine learning based analysis of real-time data. Within this workshop participants will have the opportunity to experience serious games that motivate patients to do their physiotherapy exercises. Furthermore, participants will learn about how tiny machine learning can be used to create machine learning based control algorithms for serious games. Finally they will get the opportunity to train their own personal machine learning based game control algorithm.

Department: 3D-lab / Orthopedic Surgery / Trauma Surgery

Supervisors:
Tuesday: Joep Kraeima, Anne Meesters, Reinier ten Brink, Nick Assink (Technical Physicians and 3D Specialists), Danique Smelt (Technical Physician Student)
Wednesday: Anne Meesters, Sander Tabernée Heijtmeijer, Nick Assink (Technical Physicians and 3D Specialists), Mirka Buist (Design Specialist), Danique Smelt (Technical Physician Student)
Thursday: Peter Pijpker, Sander Tabernée Heijtmeijer, Fleur van der Kaaij (Technical Physicians and 3D Specialists), Suzanne van Wees (Design Specialist), Danique Smelt (Technical Physician Student)

At the UMCG, 3D virtual surgical planning technology is frequently used across multiple disciplines. This technology ensures safer, faster, and more accurate surgical procedures. The Technical Physicians at the 3D-Lab plan complex cases daily, transferring virtual surgical plans to the operating theatre with precision through the use of 3D-printed, patient-specific instrumentation and implants.

One notable application is 3D-guided, patient-specific corrective limb osteotomy. These surgeries address bone deformities in three dimensions. With 3D planning and printing, the anatomy can be visualised in 3D, and the osteotomy can be precisely planned using CT scans. Patient-specific instruments guide the cutting and repositioning processes, enabling more predictable outcomes.

This workshop includes two parts:
1. Learning the basics of virtual surgical planning, where participants virtually plan a corrective limb osteotomy.
2. Hands-on simulated surgery using sawbones to practise with patient-specific 3D-printed instruments.

Participants can also experience 3D virtual surgical planning through augmented reality glasses (HoloLens).

Supervisors: G. Volckmann

This hands-on workshop delves into the treatment of fractures, exploring biomechanical aspects of different fixation methods. Participants will practise applying implants to various fracture types, including those of the proximal femur, tibia, and proximal humerus, using medical drills, saws, and surgical kits.
The workshop provides valuable insights into fracture management and helps participants understand the practical application of surgical tools and techniques in trauma cases.

Department: Research Support Facility – Central Animal Facility

Supervisors: Annemieke van Oosten PhD, Michel Weij Ing, Daryll Eichhorn Ing

In recent years, surgical techniques have become increasingly sophisticated, necessitating training and education. This workshop focuses on teaching students the correct handling of surgical instruments and proper suturing techniques, providing an opportunity to practise the fine art of suturing. Participants gain practical experience while developing precision and dexterity critical to surgical procedures.

Department: Biomedical Sciences, Section Anatomy and Medical Physiology

Supervisor: Rob Bakels, PhD

Using surface electrodes (“stick”) we will show the relation between electromyogram (EMG) and force for the first dorsal interosseus (FDI), a small intrinsic hand muscle, in volunteers from the audience. Next, we will determine the conduction velocity in their ulnar nerve, and finally, we will determine reaction time in response to an audible tone and an LED flash, respectively.  What components contribute to reaction time? Why use EMG?

After the surface electrodes, we will switch to a needle electrode (“prick”). This technique will allow us to show the activity of individual motor units in the FDI as force is varied. Hopefully, we will be able to demonstrate the “size principle,” which states that as force increases, motor units are activated from weaker to stronger ones. The supervisor will perform the needle EMG on himself and thus allow the workshop participants a view of real-time motoneuron activity in his spinal cord.

During the workshop, the participants are invited to participate in a quiz, using an online platform.