ZIMMER BIOMET APAS WOMEN IN ARTHROPLASTY TRAVELLING FELLOWSHIP REPORT 2023
I am delighted to be the inaugural women in Arthroplasty fellow of Asia Pacific Arthroplasty Society 2023. It has been a great privilege to share what this invaluable experience has meant for my career and the significant gains I have achieved. I was excited to receive an email from Dr. Rami Sorial that I was one of the inaugural Women in Arthroplasty fellow along with my co-fellow Dr. Joyce Garcia from Philippines.
I appeared for an online interview in April 2023 which was held for the selection of 2 candidates. This fellowship took me across various renowned institutions in different countries, allowing me to expand my knowledge and refine my skills in Arthroplasty procedures. The duration of fellowship was 6 weeks started on 17th July 2023 to 24th August 2023, 3 weeks in Australia (Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney), 2 weeks in Indonesia (Jakarta, Bandung) and last week in Cebu, Philippines for Asia Pacific Arthroplasty Society Annual Meeting.
Brisbane, Australia (16th – 21st July 2023)
My first stop was at Brisbane with my mentor Dr. Catherine McDougall at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) and Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS). I was provided with a detailed schedule for the upcoming week. I had privilege of receiving comprehensive tour of both the hospitals. Dr. Catherine introduced me to other Arthroplasty surgeons in the department who were very welcoming.
With Dr. Catherine McDougall at STARS
First Day with Co-fellow Dr. Joyce Garcia at TPCH
Myself with Dr. James Braun
Myself with Dr Manoj Matthew
With Dr. James Braun I observed the cases of 2 Total Knee Arthroplasty using MAKO Robot and Computer Assisted Navigation. I observed the case of Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty performed by Dr. Manoj Matthew.
Dr. Dinesh Sharma is a Robotic Arthroplasty Surgeon, under his guidance I was exposed to both Hip and Knee joint Arthroplasty using MAKO Robot. He taught me the techniques for optimising robot assisted alignment and strategies to address potential challenges during surgeries.
Myself with Dr. Dinesh Sharma
Dr. Dinesh Sharma with myself and Dr. Joyce Garcia
Zimmer Biomet, Brisbane
Zimmer Biomet team graciously invited us for a warm and engaging lunch. This gathering provided us with an opportunity to not only enjoy a delicious meal but also to engage in meaningful discussion about our shared goals and strategies.
Dinner with Dr Ross Crawford and Dr Catherine McDougall
With the Zimmer Biomet Team
Day off in Brisbane
At Lone Pine Sanctuary
South Brisbane
Melbourne, Australia (22nd – 28th July 2023)
I flew to Melbourne under the mentorship of Dr. Claudia Di Bella. I was posted to St. Vincent Public and Private Hospitals for a week. I was introduced to a cases of Myxochondromatosis and Total Hip Arthroplasty through Direct Anterior Approach by Dr. Claudia. I gained insights into the intricacies of the Direct Anterior Approach, from the patient positioning to the precise steps of the procedure.
Behind is St. Vincent Public Hospital
With Dr. Claudia Di Bella and her team
I observed the case of Ewing’s Sarcoma treated by Proximal Femur Replacement using Megaprosthesis performed by Dr. Sarah O’ Reilly Harbidge and Observed the case of Total Hip Arthroplasty under the guidance of Dr. Jarrad Stevens.
With Dr. Sarah O’ Reilly Harbidge
During the operative procedure
Dr. Dirk Van Bavel is a Robotic Arthroplasty and Arthroscopy Surgeon, under his guidance I was exposed to both Hip and Knee Total Joint Arthroplasty and Revision ACL with Meniscal root repair.
With Dr. Dirk Van Bavel
Zimmer Biomet, Melbourne
Along with Zimmer Biomet Team and St. Vincent Hospital Orthopaedic Department warmly invited us for dinner to celebrate our fellowship.
With Dr. Dirk Van Bavel
Sydney, Australia (29th July – 5th August)
We flew to Sydney to be warmly welcomed by my mentor Dr. Rami at the airport and drove us to his beautiful home. Dr. Rami provided us with a detailed schedule for the upcoming week in Sydney. We were posted at Nepean Public and Private Hospital. Dr. Rami my esteemed mentor and teacher, letting me scrub in to closely observe all the surgeries at Nepean Public and Private Hospital.
With Dr. Rami Sorial at his residence
In the OR at Nepean Private Hospital with Dr. Rami Sorial
On arrival the Nepean Orthopaedic Department invited us for the dinner to make us familiar with everyone.
I observed 5 Robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty with ROSA by Zimmer Biomet, Total Hip Arthroplasty with OPS (Optimised Positioning System) by Corin, Revision Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty to Total Knee Arthroplasty, Total Hip Arthroplasty using Corin. Dr. Rami’s practical demonstration have provided me with a better understanding of these procedures. Dr. Rami even invited us to attend weekly Clinical Meeting with Orthopaedic Department to participate in discussion of difficult cases.
Dr. Simon Coffey specialises in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty using Robotic technology. Under his guidance I was exposed to both Hip and Knee Arthroplasty using ROSA Robots and Omnibotics by Corin, which is the only technology to include a robotic soft tissue tension device that can plan implant positioning with predictive balance tools.
Zimmer Biomet Workshop, Sydney
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Zimmer Biomet Sydney for arranging a special workshop. The hands on sessions on saw bone allowed me to gain practical experience in working with ROSA Robot and understand its application.
Some highlights on our leisure days. Professor Rami and his wife Wendy took us to The Opera House. Dinner at Manly Beach with Prof Rami, Wendy and Prof Minjae Lee
Jakarta, Indonesia (6th – 12th August)
My mentor in Jakarta was Dr. Karina Besinga. On arrival Dr. Karina arranged hospital tour with Medical Director of Siloam Hospital. I am proud to say Dr. Karina is Indonesia’s first Hip and Knee Surgeon.
Dr. Franky Hartono showed us TKA and Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty using Mobile Bearing Oxford Implant. I also assisted Dr. Daniel and Dr. Karina in bilateral TKA.
Assisted Dr. Daniel and Dr. Karina
With Dr. Franky Hartono
Dr. Karina organised an interactive session with Physiotherapy Department at Siloam Hospital.
I was invited for an online meeting by Radiology Department to discuss Arthroplasty pre and post op X Rays with all the other Radiologist in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Dr. Karina made sure we were part of her daily rounds and clinics.
We had a privilege of receiving dinner invitation from the President of Indonesia Hip and Knee Society (IHKS), Dr. Kiki Novito including other Hip and Knee Surgeons from Jakarta.
An exclusive invitation to meet Dr. Nicolaas Budhiparama, founder of Nicolaas Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation for Arthroplasty and Sports Medicine.
Bandung, Indonesia (13th – 19th August)
We reached Bandung, Indonesia to be welcomed by my mentor Dr. Azeta Arif. We received a comprehensive tour of Santosa Hospital by the Medical Director.
I was directed to assist Dr. Dicky Muliyadi, Head of the Department Orthopaedic Department. I assisted in several cases like Total Hip Arthroplasty in TB Hip with Pseudoacetabulum, Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty in neglected femur neck fracture, Total Knee Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Knee. Dr. Mulyadi were kind to give me hands on experience in many of his Hip and Knee Arthroplasty cases.
Observed a case of TKA with severe Osteoarthritis of Knee with Tibial defect by Dr. Azeta Arif.
Cebu, Phillipines (20th – 24th August) – APAS General Meeting
The final destination of the travelling fellowship was Cebu, Philippines which held the Annual Meeting of Asia Pacific Arthroplasty Society. The conference provided me a platform to share insights on cutting edge advancements in Arthroplasty and connect with experts from around the world. Receiving recognition for the Women in Arthroplasty fellowship added a meaningful touch to the experience, reinforcing my commitment to excellence in arthroplasty.
I was awarded the certificate of fellowship by APAS President Dr. Bharat Mody and Scientific Chairman and my mentor Dr. Rami Sorial.
My fellowship was graced by exceptional surgeons in Arthroplasty, pioneers who have shattered glass ceilings for future generation. I am the testament to the remarkable power of mentorship, knowledge exchange, and the transformative impact it can have on ones life and career. The impact of this fellowship on my future goals cannot be overstated. It has ignited a fire within me to push boundaries, challenges stereotypes and strive for excellence in all aspects of my practice. As I look forward to the future, I am determined to contribute to the field of Arthroplasty in a meaningful ways. I aspire to be a mentor myself, guiding and empowering the next generation of women in Orthopaedic Surgery.
I want to express my profound gratitude to APAS for granting me the Women in Arthroplasty Travelling Fellowship and being the inaugural fellow from India. Thanks to the selection committee and everyone involved in the decision making process, your faith in my potential has given me renewed motivation to excel in my chosen field. Last but not the least, Zimmer Biomet for supporting and sponsoring Women in Arthroplasty Travelling Fellowship and coming with this novel idea.