HIFU: experience and training required
Question: Would you feel comfortable flying in a Boeing 747 if a technician trained the pilot flying that plane, rather than a flight instructor? You would probably feel more at ease knowing that your pilot had been properly trained and had thorough experience. And why wouldn’t you? You want to feel safe and protected by the person leading your flight – they hold your life in their hands.
The same goes for your high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) physician – you want someone who has been properly trained and educated by peers who have been performing the procedure for many years. The advantage of HIFU performed by an experienced, peer-to-peer trained physician, such as those at Vituro Health, is the minimal risk of side effects. We insist upon quality training and ensure that our physicians are prepared by following the most advanced protocols.
“With HIFU, you cannot shortcut training or experience, which is why Vituro Health guides partner physicians through the extensive training protocol that is required to master highly complex HIFU procedures,” says Vituro Health Medical Director Stephen Scionti, M.D. “If you’re a patient and want the advantages of this non-invasive revolutionary technology, do your homework and find the best physician with the most HIFU experience that you can; good outcomes are obtained by skilled and highly experienced HIFU physicians.”
Patients are not the only ones to directly benefit from Dr. Scionti’s experience. Dr. Scionti is directly involved in the training process for urologists interested in incorporating HIFU technology into their practices. He has proctored procedures of more than 80 urologists at Sonacare’s International Centers of Excellence and served as director of Clinical Education and Training for USHIFU and SonaCare Medical, the manufacturer of the Sonablate.
Education is key, and a Vituro physician will not independently treat a patient until they are well trained and signed off on by Dr. Scionti, who proctors procedures to ensure all protocols are being followed. A system like this does not exist anywhere else – that’s the Vituro difference.
“Vituro Health wanted to partner with the leading physician so we can educate our patients and physician partners because that’s the most important thing,” said Clete Walker, CEO of Vituro Health.