Core expertise
Minimally invasive surgery
Laparoscopic surgery
Surgical training
Paediatric surgery
Neonatal surgery
Paediatric appendicitis
Biography
Ram has a strong interest in developing and teaching minimally invasive techniques for both paediatric and neonatal surgery. He led a team that developed of one of the first validated paediatric surgical laparoscopic bench trainers, and has continued to improve the evidence base for surgical simulation and simulation-based medical education. He has a passion for undergraduate teaching and has co-authored a Paediatric Textbook “Rapid Paediatrics & Child Health” published by Wiley-Blackwell Publishing now in its second edition, as well as multiple book chapters and articles in peer reviewed journals.
His research focuses on developing state of the art technologies and also inexpensive effective models to help surgeons master minimally invasive skills, core surgical skills and also the non-technical skills that are vital for optimal patient outcomes. He also leads a Paediatric Surgical Project with MCHI in Myanmar, using simulation to upskill local surgeons. The Paediatric Surgical Simulation Centre in the new Monash Children’s Hospital is the largest centre of its kind in Australasia, and will also have a significant role in the international development and integration of simulation into surgical training.
Ram also has a large experience in clinical research for common paediatric surgical conditions such as appendicitis, and is currently co-ordinating three randomised controlled trials in the department.
