Mumbai, India – April
24, 2025 : Academy of Regional Anaesthesia (AORA) recently unveiled a
pioneering 12‑month hybrid
fellowship in regional anaesthesia, blending virtual theory with hands‑on training at Aesculap Academy’s Guiding
Centers. The program was inaugurated at Hotel Holiday Inn, Mumbai, with in‑person and virtual participants, and featured
keynote addresses by Dr. J. Balavenkatasubramanian (Advisory Board,
AORA), Dr. TVS Gopal (Advisory Board, AORA), Dr. Vrushali Ponde
(Chairperson & Trustee, AORA), Dr. Sandeep Diwan (Chairperson, AORA),
Dr. Satish Kulkarni (Treasurer, AORA), Mr. Aditya Banerjee (Managing
Director, B. Braun India), Mr. Navin Hans (Vice President – Sales
& Marketing, B. Braun India), Mr. Sandiip Pawaar (Business Unit
Head, B. Braun India) and Dr. Vivek Sharma (GM Marketing,
B. Braun India), along with fellow members of the team.
With regional anaesthesia used in approximately 50% of
surgeries and with increase in USG machines, the demand for skilled
practitioners is urgent, and this initiative addresses the most needed training
gaps by offering a structured curriculum for working anaesthesiologists. The
program ensures a comprehensive learning experience spanning seven modules such
as anatomy theory, simulation, cadaveric and ultrasound workshops, observatory
sessions, and clinical practice. Upon completion, participants will receive a
co-branded certification from AORA and Aesculap Academy and accreditation from
KU Leuven University, a renowned institution in medical education.
With an ambitious goal of training over 50
anaesthesiologists within three years, the program is poised to create a
transformative ripple effect on patient care across India.
The program will also benefit surgeons, fostering
better collaboration with anaesthesiologists to optimise pain management and
surgical outcomes.
Dr. J. Balavenkatasubramanian, Advisory Board
Member of AORA, remarked, “This fellowship is more than a
learning opportunity—it’s a catalyst for elevating clinical excellence. By
nurturing a strong, skilled workforce of anaesthesiologists, we’re directly
advancing patients’ quality of care through refined techniques and standardised
protocols.”
Dr. Vrushali Ponde, Chairperson & Trustee
of AORA, emphasised the distinctive value of the fellowship, stating, “For
far too long, working anaesthesiologists had limited opportunities to access
standardized protocols & practice around Regional Anaesthesia. This
uniquely crafted fellowship addresses that critical gap—offering a structured,
high-calibre platform designed to empower anaesthesiologists with advanced,
real-world skills that can significantly elevate patient care across the
country.”
Mr. Aditya Banerjee, Managing Director of B.
Braun Medical India Pvt Ltd, emphasised Aesculap Academy’s role. He said,
“Supporting AORA reflects a shared commitment of Aesculap Academy to medical
education. By combining AORA’s academic expertise with Aesculap Academy’s
advanced training infrastructure, we aim to set a new standard in regional
anaesthesia training.”
Mr. Navin Hans, Vice President – Sales &
Marketing, B. Braun Medical India Pvt Ltd highlighted how the
fellowship supports structured learning by delivering a harmonised curriculum
backed by stateoftheart learning platforms. He stated, “This program ensures
every anaesthesiologist, regardless of their home institution, gains access to
the same highquality protocols and expert mentorship. Together, we’re setting a
new benchmark for consistency, competence, and collaboration in regional
anaesthesia training.”
About Academy of Regional Anaesthesia (AORA)
The Academy of Regional Anaesthesia (AORA) is a
professional organisation in India dedicated to improving patient care by
promoting practice, education, and research in regional anaesthesia through
workshops, conferences, and innovative teaching initiatives that enhance
anaesthesiologists’ skills and standards of care.
About Aesculap Academy
The Aesculap Academy is a global medical training
institution, part of the B. Braun Group. It offers various courses, workshops
and simulation centres for healthcare professionals, focusing on practical
training and interdisciplinary communication. The academy is recognised for its
commitment to sharing expertise and fostering learning in the medical field.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Dr. Vrushali Ponde
Chairperson & Trustee, AORA
