Some of the Technical Medicine (TM) graduates have been working in the 3D lab of Medisch Spectrum Twente (MST) since 2019. Orthopaedic surgeon Jorm Nellensteijn is full of praise. 'They have rapidly worked their way up and are now an important part of the daily planning. And hence, they are indispensable.'
Text: Stan Waning
Nellensteijn is particularly impressed with the speed at which the technical physicians have earned their place in the 3D lab. ‘A truly remarkable achievement. When they started three years ago, we encountered a lot of technical obstacles. They managed to smooth these out in no time. If they drop out, we have a problem. That definitely testifies to their impact,' says Nellensteijn.
Effective planning and saving time
He emphasises the fact that a 3D lab is more than just a space for printing. 'People often think we have a printer here, and that we all just gather around it. But there is definitely more to it than that. The planning is perhaps even more important. By properly preparing the actions we perform, we can save time and ultimately also offer better care to our patients. Also in that respect, the technical physicians are very important.'
Bones and joints
According to Nellensteijn, the 3D lab is a very suitable working environment for technical physicians. ‘Bones and joints are made of solid material. That makes working with screws and plates ideal. The field is developing fast. In the near future, we even expect to be working with living tissue.'
Switching fast
Rob van Doremalen, who studied at the UT between 2008 and 2015, is one of the technical physicians working at the 3D lab in Enschede. According to Van Doremalen, the main impact technical physicians can make, is providing overlap. 'We are able to switch quickly. Abroad, biomedical physicians are often in similar positions, because technical medicine does not exist there. Their work ends where that of the physician begins. There is less overlap. With the advance of TM, we are able to take that discussion further. More suggestions are made and there is indeed overlap. That makes for a better work situation for the physician, who of course still holds final responsibility.'
That little bit extra
Recently, a Spanish student with experience in foreign 3D labs accompanied Van Doremalen on his working day. Her perspective made it clear to him that the approach taken in the 3D lab is special. ‘She was amazed by the way we work together here. Technical physicians on the shop floor truly do deliver that little bit extra.'
Working together
The Netherlands has several 3D labs. In addition to MST, regional partners include Radboudumc and UMCG. Van Doremalen emphasises the importance of these different labs working together on further future developments. 'That would ensure more knowledge and expertise, and also make it more profitable and attractive for hospitals.'
Check out the video about the 3D lab at MST
