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Bringing Innovative Teaching Methods to Algeria Through 3D Modeling
Published Date – 13 November 2024
In 2022, seeking to expand her network and resources, Algerian cardiologist Dr. Akila Bersali discovered and applied for the Women As One Escalator Awards. In turn, she received a Kickstarter grant, which enabled her to learn 3D printing techniques for creating heart models.
The 2022 Kickstarter grants were intended to provide funding and general networking support to women cardiologists in developing nations. Dr. Bersali’s goal in applying was clear: to educate her patients, their families, and the medical professionals in her region about congenital heart disease in a more accessible way.
“There is a lack of formal training programs for congenital heart disease in Algeria,” explained Dr. Bersali. “I saw 3D printing as a natural extension of my expertise in cardiac imaging and felt the opportunity to gain training and access to the wider Women As One network would be a tremendous opportunity for many reasons.”
After completing a specialized course in Barcelona, Dr. Bersali collaborated with an Algerian startup interested in the same field to create 3D models of hearts exhibiting congenital defects. These models became invaluable teaching tools for all the cardiology residents during training workshops, helping them understand anatomical differences and potential surgical approaches. She also used the models to explain complex conditions to parents, providing them with a tangible understanding of their child’s heart.
I am deeply appreciative of Women As One’s mission to provide meaningful support to women in cardiology around the world.
“I envision this initiative as an important step in advancing general education about congenital heart defects for both physicians and patients in Algeria,” Dr. Bersali emphasized. “My next goal is to develop soft 3D models for surgical training, moving beyond the solid models that, while excellent for visualization, do not allow for hands-on surgical practice.”
Dr. Bersali was able to present a poster on her work in this area entitled “Empowering Hearts: Bridging Gaps with 3D Models and Web-based 3D Visualization for Congenital Heart Disease Education in a Developing Country” during Anatomy Connected 2024, the annual meeting of the American Association for Anatomy.
Looking ahead, Dr. Bersali aims to continue her focus on developing educational opportunities for patients and providers, particularly women, using digital and immersive teaching methods to make learning engaging and impactful. When asked what advice she would give to young women in cardiology, she emphasized the importance of continuous learning, seizing every opportunity to expand one’s knowledge.
“My journey is a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge in transforming healthcare and education in Algeria,” said Dr. Bersali. “I am deeply appreciative of Women As One’s mission to provide meaningful support to women in cardiology around the world.”
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