Changing the Game
VRiMS specialises in creating extended reality resources through virtual reality, augmented reality, and the metaverse. Our primary focus is on medical and surgical education and global health.Our mission is to develop training resources for low to middle-income countries utilising extended reality technologies.
In addition to being a resource creation entity, VRiMS is also a research group. We deploy scientific methodologies to assess the benefits of using extended reality in medical and surgical education.
In partnership with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, and supported by funding from Health Education England, VRiMS has successfully delivered seven one-week courses. These courses have offered cadaveric hands-on surgical procedures and engaged over 6000 participants from 101 countries.
Our innovative approach involves live streaming of 360-degree videos in a virtual studio setup, making use of the entire 360 space with several camera overlays. Our content spans all surgical specialities.
Currently, the VRiMS team travels extensively, hosting live streaming events globally to produce additional resources for low to middle-income countries.
The VRiMS Team
Meet our team of clinicans with an interest in extended reality and global health
CEO VRiMS
Professor Jag Dhanda
Professor Jag Dhanda is a Oral and Maxillofacial/Head and Neck Surgeon and founder of Virtual Reality in Medicine and Surgery
Cardiac Surgery Lead
Mr. Ishtiaq Ahmed
Mr Ishtiaq Ahmed is a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon specialising in complex mitral-valve repair and minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Trained in the UK, Belgium and France, he is recognised through fellowships from the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons (UK) and the Cardiac Society of Australia & New Zealand. He brings this international experience into his role as Cardiac Surgery Lead for the VRiMS programme.
Orthopaedic Surgery Lead
Mr. Owain Ennis
Mr Owain Ennis is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in shoulder, elbow and knee arthroscopy and trauma care. He is based with the Hywel Dda University Health Board at Glangwili and Prince Philip Hospitals in West Wales. His professional interests include soft-tissue disorders, sports injuries and shoulder replacement surgery, delivered through both arthroscopic and open techniques.
Dental Implant Surgery Lead
Mr. Sami Stagnell
Dr Sami Stagnell is a GDC-registered Specialist Oral Surgeon and Senior Clinical Lecturer at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, leading the Dental Implant Reconstructive Surgery PGDip. He specialises in oral surgery and implantology, with advanced training across the UK and Europe, including an ITI Scholarship at the Medical University of Graz. Dr Stagnell also serves as a clinical advisor to the GDC and examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
Surgical Dermatology Lead
Mr. Etienne Raffner
Mr Etienne Raffner is a Specialist Grade Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon at Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, East Grinstead, and Director of EJR Aesthetic Medicine. He has extensive experience in surgical dermatology, facial reconstruction, and aesthetic procedures. Mr Raffner leads the VRiMS Surgical Dermatology programme, integrating cadaveric training with advanced reconstructive and aesthetic techniques.
ENT Surgery Lead
Mr. David Walker
Mr David Walker is a Consultant ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon with extensive experience in complex otolaryngology and skull base surgery. He is actively involved in surgical education and training, contributing to national ENT courses and multidisciplinary teaching. As VRiMS ENT Surgery Lead, he integrates extended reality and immersive learning to enhance anatomical understanding and surgical precision in ENT training.
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Lead
Mr. Calum Honeyman
Mr Calum Honeyman is a Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with expertise in microsurgery, trauma reconstruction, and aesthetic procedures. He has a strong background in surgical education and training, mentoring junior surgeons in advanced reconstructive techniques. As VRiMS Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Lead, he supports the integration of virtual and extended reality into surgical training to enhance visualisation, precision, and accessibility.
Dental Lead
Dr Isobel Williams
Dr Isobel Williams is a dentist with experience working in esteemed practices across the South West. Isobel practices all aspects of general dentistry and holds certification in aligner orthodontics and aesthetic restorations. She has particular interests in periodontics and oral surgery, with a focus on dental implants, and has completed further training in soft-tissue surgery which complements her current MSc in Periodontology. Isobel enjoys supporting early-career and aspiring dentists, supervising clinical skills and assisting with complex treatments. Combining her clinical expertise with a passion for modernising education, she leads the VRiMS Dental Programme, advancing immersive learning for the next generation of clinicians.
Research and Innovation Lead
Ameen Mahmood
Mr Ameen Mahmood is a medical student at Imperial College London, with his degree sponsored by the Royal Air Force. He has a keen interest in surgical innovation, military surgery, and widening access to surgical education. He is the founder of the VRiMS Surgical Society, where he led the development and implementation of a VR-based surgical programme across the UK and Ireland. He drives the evidence base underpinning VRiMS, with multiple publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
