One of the tests doctors use to confirm breast cancer is a breast biopsy—a procedure where a thin, hollow needle draws out a small bit of tissue for closer examination under a microscope. According to experts, even skilled clinicians can struggle to locate the tumour on the first attempt, sometimes requiring multiple pricks to the same breast. “Each failed trial adds to the patient’s fear and discomfort. It’s a moment that reveals the limits of training and the urgent need for safer, more effective ways to learn,” said Dr Michael Moneypenny, director of the Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME) at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi. To bridge this gap, Aga Khan Hospital has developed a breast biopsy simulator: a soft, realistic model that allows clinicians to practice the delicate procedure repeatedly before ever touching a patient. “Our goal is to make sure no patient suffers because a clinician is still learning,” Dr Moneypenny explained. “Simulation gives trainees the freedom to make mistakes, correct them, and build confidence—all before they ever hold a real needle.”