On June 9–10, 2026, the LAPCO Train the Trainer course was held at the Telecommunications Endoscopic Center of the Medical University – Pleven, focusing on the development of teaching, mentoring, and assessment skills in surgical education.
Under the guidance of an international faculty team, participants completed an interactive program combining theoretical sessions, practical exercises, and role-playing activities. The LAPCO International faculty was represented by leading experts Mark Coleman, Niccolo Allievi, and Loic Bosvieux.
The program covered key topics such as effective teaching of technical skills, providing constructive feedback, human factors and communication in the operating room environment, professionalism, competency assessment, and working with trainees in a variety of situations. A significant portion of the course was dedicated to practical exercises and mentoring sessions aimed at building confidence and skills among future trainers.
Specialists and trainees in surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and urology participated as trainers and trainees, representing university hospitals in Pleven and across the country: Assoc. Prof. Martin Karamanliev, MD; Assoc. Prof. Polina Marinova, MD; Assoc. Prof. Dobrinka Gincheva, MD; Georgi Prandzhev, MD; Teodora Semova, MD; Dimitar Dimitrov, MD; Ervin Mestan, MD; Meri Shoshkova, MD; Boris Botev, MD; and Filip Gabarski, MD.
The LAPCO Train the Trainer course was implemented under project BG-RRP-2.004-0003, “Research Higher Education School: Medical University – Pleven,” funded by the European Union through the NextGenerationEU initiative within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
The training provided a valuable opportunity for the exchange of best practices and contemporary approaches in surgical education, encouraging the development of a new generation of educators and mentors in the field of minimally invasive surgery.
We would like to thank all participants and lecturers for their active involvement, commitment, and shared expertise. Together, we continue to advance high standards in surgical training and professional development!
