The PROFICIENCY project has been funded as Flagship project by the Swiss Innovation Agency Innosuisse. It aims to revolutionize surgical education by replacing the outdated “see one, do one, teach one” model with a data-driven, simulator-based training system. Inspired by the aviation industry’s use of flight simulators, the project introduces a proficiency-based approach to ensure that surgeons are better prepared, more confident, and ultimately safer in the operating room.
Launched in 2022 and running through 2027, the PROFICIENCY project is structured into several sub-projects, each focusing on a different aspect of surgical training, from simulation hardware and software to performance analytics and curriculum development.
This initiative is not just about technology: it’s about transforming how surgeons learn. By enabling continuous, measurable improvement in a risk-free environment, PROFICIENCY is setting a new standard for surgical education and patient safety.
- 2022–2024: Development of simulation platforms and tracking systems
- 2025: Integration of AR/VR and AI-based performance feedback
- 2026–2027: Clinical validation and rollout of training modules
The PROFICIENCY project brings together a multidisciplinary consortium of medical institutions and training centers (CHUV, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, ETH Zurich, ZHAW, Balgrist University Hospital, and OR-X), and technology implementation partners (VirtaMed AG, Microsoft Switzerland, OramaVR SA and Atracsys LLC) across Switzerland.
Atracsys plays a pivotal role in the PROFICIENCY project by providing high-precision optical tracking systems that form the backbone of the simulator environments. Our technology enables:
- Real-time tracking of instruments and user motion
- Accurate performance measurement and feedback
- Seamless integration with AR/VR and AI systems
Atracsys’ tracking solutions are used in the development of AR-enabled simulators for procedures like total hip arthroplasty, where precision and spatial awareness are critical. Our systems ensure that every movement is captured, analyzed, and used to improve surgical technique.
By contributing to this transformative project, Atracsys is helping to redefine surgical education, making it safer, smarter, and more effective for the next generation of surgeons.
Head of Research in Orthopedic Computer Science at Balgrist University Hospital
Lead of Sub-project 3: Surgical Training and Teaching
What is unique/differentiating in the PROFICIENCY project?
The large-scale project and interdisciplinary consortium enable a holistic approach to the future of surgical training, addressing gaps in technical foundations, methodology, curriculum integration, and continuous, data-driven evaluation.
What is the story behind the genesis of this project?
While cutting-edge technologies such as augmented reality and artificial intelligence are increasingly effective in surgical treatment, surgical training and education still lag behind. This project aims to bridge that gap by combining expertise in surgical education (Virtamed, clinical partners) with advanced knowledge in computer-assisted surgery (ROCS, Atracsys) and computer vision (ETH, Microsoft), fostering innovation in surgical training.
How does Atracsys contribute to the project success?
Capturing the interaction and dynamics between surgical tools, tissue, and the surgeon is a core element of the project, as it is essential for accurately modeling the surgical context. Atracsys provides high-precision and robust hardware and software solutions for real-time tracking. In addition, their optical 3D reconstruction technologies offer a strong foundation for scene understanding, such as anatomical structure identification.
How do you plan to sustain the PROFICIENCY project outcome in the long term?
The translational aspect of the project is already underway. We are progressively integrating our results into surgical training programs, paving the way for their inclusion in the future surgical curriculum.