Orthopedic surgeons trained to handle complex cases

They watched the video presentations keenly before breaking into groups to practice what they had learnt.

Immediately the presentations end, they dash for fractured bones dummies while others reached out for tools like bone drills, screws, and implant dummies. Under close supervision of the senior surgeons, the students fix the bone fragments.

“Normally we are taught the theory part but the training is giving us a hands-on experience. We are learning new techniques of repairing complicated fractures,” says Esther Akello a fourth- year resident student.

Akello’s counterpart, Julius Abonga says they usually help consultants on operating tables but this time round, grasping new skills to enable them carry out surgeries.

Dr. Edward Kironde instructing resident students on how to drill a pelvis bone. Picture by Agnes Kyotalengerire

This was the feel in the skills laboratory at Makerere University School of Public health in Mulago hospital during a four -day orthopedic training workshop that closed on Thursday.

The free training conducted by a team of visiting orthopedic surgeons and theatre nurses from the University of British Columbia located in Vancouver targeted orthopedic surgeons and resident students from the orthopedic department Mulago hospital.

“We are using lectures (theory part) videos and practices to teach but also giving them lots of time to ask questions, “said Dr. Peter O’Brien one of the visiting surgeons.

Dr. Alami Ghassan another visiting surgeon said the training particularly focused on fractures of the pelvis bones, upper and lower limbs because they are the common encountered cases.  

However, Dr. Ghassan said tuition for a similar course in Vancouver is about US$ 1700 excluding costs of travel, accommodation and meals.

A student receives a certificate of attendance from Dr. Edward Kironde orthopedic surgeon at Mulalgo hospital. Looking on is Dr. Peter O'Brien. Picture by Agnes Kyotalengerire

Dr. Edward Kironde, orthopedic surgeon Mulago hospital commended the visiting team and said the training has equipped them with skills and knowledge which will consequently improve the quality of trauma care in Uganda.

Over the last ten years, Mulago hospital receives a team of orthopedic surgeons from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver under the umbrella of the Uganda Sustainable Trauma Orthopedic Program (USTOP) to train surgeons, theatre nurses and post graduate students.

This was after Makerere University and University of British Columbia in Vancouver signed a memorandum of understanding in 2006 that they work on projects of mutual interest for example disorders involving muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels, nerves and other soft tissues.