Medical students from the University of Leicester's Medical School have developed a free educational resource for medical students and junior doctors that teaches valuable surgical skills they will need during their training.
The website, TeachMeSurgery, which features articles, illustrations, videos and interactive content, was developed by University of Leicester students Oliver Jones and Michael Bath working with a team of doctors, who set out to create a resource that could be used by students - including those in developing countries who may not have access to other resources.
The resource is tailor-made with mobile phones and tablets in mind and its content has been developed to include a wide range of learning tools including Google Glass.
Student Oliver Jones said: "We wanted to create a single resource that medical students and junior doctors could use during their training. Moreover, we hope that students in developing countries, who may not have access to other resources, will be able to use our website to aid their training."
Student Michael Bath added: "With an ever increasing pace at which new knowledge and techniques are discovered, an online resource for educating our current and future doctors will allow the public to get the best care possible when they visit hospital."
The students hope to continue to develop the resource to include information about other areas of surgery and surgical specialities to help students remain constantly at the forefront of medical education.
The team has previously produced an online anatomy site (www.TeachMeAnatomy.com), led by Oliver, using a similar style and ethos which now receives over half a million views a month.
Professor Nick London, Head of Leicester Medical School, provided invaluable advice and support for the project, and the Medical School provided the students with the necessary equipment in many aspects of the project.
Professor London said: "Although as a surgeon it could be said I am a little bit biased, it is my opinion that both of these websites are outstanding. I would like to make it clear that it is medical students who have initiated these projects and that the role of the Medical School has been to help and advise. The Medical School is extremely proud of their achievements."
TeachMeSurgery launched on 1 September and is available at: www.TeachMeSurgery.com.