Background

Established in 2024, the Middle East Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (MEPRAS) Training Academy stands as a premier platform dedicated to advancing the fields of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as Aesthetic procedures. The Academy offers an extensive array of courses and workshops that combine in-depth lectures, practical hands-on sessions, and dynamic interactive discussions.

Our primary mission is to equip Plastic Surgeons with cutting-edge knowledge and advanced surgical skills across various subspecialties. By fostering an environment of continuous professional development, MEPRAS empowers surgeons to refine their expertise and achieve excellence in their practice.

Vision

MEPRAS aligns with contemporary advancements in surgical education, focusing on reducing traditional didactic sessions in favor of immersive, practical learning experiences. This enables participants to dedicate their time to mastering targeted techniques and achieving superior operative proficiency.

Each course is designed as a masterclass, offering participants a unique combination of comprehensive knowledge and advanced technical training. The Academy collaborates with globally recognized experts and professors who provide exceptional mentorship and guidance, ensuring an unparalleled learning experience.

Resources

For the first time in the Middle East, MEPRAS provides the professional community with state-of-the-art facilities and specialized resources, including:

• Surgical Simulation Training Models: Dedicated facilities and expert personnel for the manufacturing and maintenance of training models in a dry lab setting.
• Cadaveric Training Access: Licenses for training on fresh frozen cadavers at leading academic centers in the region.
• Microsurgery Training Facilities: Fully equipped microsurgery labs, available in both dry lab and animal house settings.

MEPRAS courses are accredited for Continuing Medical Education (CME) and maintain strong affiliations with prestigious international organizations, such as the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), and the Egyptian Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons (ESPRS).

History

The journey of MEPRAS began in 2009 with a collaborative research initiative between Liverpool University Hospitals and Ain Shams University Hospitals. This partnership focused on validating stepwise, hands-on training techniques, particularly in the field of Reconstructive Hand Surgery.

The first course was conducted in 2011 at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, led by Dr. Ahmed Sobhi Hweidi and his academic supervisor, Professor Paul McArthur. This event marked a significant milestone in advancing surgical training methods in the Northwest of England.

By 2013, additional hand surgery simulation courses were held in Liverpool, and the expertise gained was successfully introduced to Egypt by 2015. These efforts laid the foundation for MEPRAS, setting the stage for the Academy's mission to revolutionize surgical education and foster excellence in the field.