In this Surgical Crossroads episode, the spotlight is on orthopaedic surgery with guests Sanjay Anand, Haroon Rehman, and FY1 doctor Dillon Vyas. Sanjay, a specialist in knee and sports injuries, combines clinical work with academic research and is passionate about teaching through collaborative team meetings. Haroon, an ST8 registrar and advocate for training and patient safety, draws satisfaction from the tangible impact orthopaedics has on patients’ recovery. Dillon, originally interested in neurosurgery, found his calling in orthopaedics and actively contributes to medical education through award-winning initiatives.
The discussion highlights the specialty’s diversity, the power of mentorship, and the importance of seizing developmental opportunities, with the enduring message to follow your genuine interests to find your path.
Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.
Introducing the topic and guests for this episode.
[Sadie Khwaja – Sanjay Anand] Sanjay, so let's talk about orthopaedic careers. And how have you got to where you are today – being an orthopaedic consultant in a busy DJH?
[SK – SA] When you say you always wanted to do knee surgery, did you decide that early on? What's the pathway for orthopods these days?
[SK – SA] What's life like at the moment, day-to-day for yourself?
[SK – SA] And as a consultant, you'll have a certain percentage of your work that is clinical. What other things that you do? Do you do management, research or training and teaching?
[SK – SA] Looking back now, for somebody starting out like Dylan, what kind of advice would you give him?
[SK – SA] And you know, is it as simple as DIY? [Why orthopaedics?]
[SK – SA] What do you think is changing?
[Greg Ekatah – SA] So you're clearly a knee surgeon, but if there was a fractured hip or fractured elbow, during your on-calls, you will deal with that. Is that correct?
[GE – Haroon Rehman] I guess my first question to you is of all the surgical specialties, why orthopaedics?
15:51 [GE – HR] Sanjay touched on it earlier, the work-life balance, so we've heard it from the consultants point of view, but from a registrar's point of view, what is that like?
[GE – HR] At the time of this recording COVID is still with us. And so we've got to talk about what has it been like with electively and emergency operating in orthopaedics.
[GE – HR] You'll have a bit more insight into the different routes that one can take. So for Dylan starting off as an FY1, what are his potential routes into orthopaedic training?
[GE – HR] Is academia in orthopaedic training becoming more and more essential? ... And orthopaedics is one of those specialties where there is a very strong link between the specialty and industry; how does that play out for a registrar?
[Sesi Hotonu – Dillon Vyas] I've got two questions for you; why surgery? And the second question, with everything you've heard, what does it make you think about a career in orthopaedics? Does it make you excited? Do you have any particular questions?
[SK – SA] I just wanted to cover the subject matter of flexible training in orthopaedics and females in there. When I look, there seems to be a better and better representation. What's your understanding Sanjay, and advice?
[SH – SA] So, to finish, what is the collective term for a group of orthopods?
[SH - HR] What's your favourite operation in the whole world?
[SH – DV] Dylan, the best thing about orthopaedics is …
