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Dr. Olof Bladin is a Ph.D. student since 2022, focusing on surgical training and global surgery, particularly the learning curve of open groin hernia repair. He is also a resident in reconstructive plastic surgery, combining clinical practice with innovative research to improve surgical education and access to care in resource-limited settings.

Dr. Bladin’s involvement in global surgery began in 2019 when he joined the research team, working under the supervision of Dr. Jenny Löfgren and Dr. Matovu Alphonsus, during a randomized controlled trial on groin hernia repair in women. In February 2022, Dr. Bladin formally began his journey as a Ph.D. candidate.

Building on the research team’s previous work, Dr. Bladin's current focus within his Ph.D. program revolves around the intricacies of surgical training and the learning curve associated with open groin hernia repair. Having established a foundation with the assessment of the learning curve for open anterior mesh repair in groin hernia using data from the Swedish Hernia Register, he is now delving deeper into innovative approaches.

Dr. Bladin's research involves open surgical simulation of groin hernia repair, utilizing a 3D-printed hernia model. This methodology not only enhances comprehension of anatomy within a 3D environment but also provides a solid platform for training in surgical techniques. Dr. Bladin is conducting two studies in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Uganda and Sierra Leone. These studies aim to investigate the impact of open surgical simulation on the learning curve of open groin hernia repair, with the ultimate goal of addressing the substantial need for surgical services in low- and middle-income countries.

Recognizing the significant challenges posed by a scarcity of human resources in these regions, Dr. Bladin's project is designed to contribute to the improvement of surgical learning. By integrating surgical simulation into training protocols, the research endeavors to mitigate the shortage of skilled professionals, thereby enhancing the accessibility of surgical services on a global scale.