SurgSoc Talks & Speakers 2016
Surgery is often viewed as one of the boldest and fiercest representations of the health arts and sciences. It requires intelligence and strength that naturally inspires others in a contagious manner. Additionally, in this world of excellence, are individuals who shine brighter and soar higher; impacting the lives of individuals with an innovative mastery that connects them on not just a physical level, but a deeper emotional and psychological level as well. UCT Surgical Society has had the privilege to host and flaunt these brilliant minds. 2016 has proven to be nothing short of amazing as international speakers and home-grown specialist surgeons shared their wisdom at the monthly talks.
Professor Iain Anderson is a consultant General Surgeon at the Salford Royal Hospital in Manchester. He practices colorectal surgery with a specialist interest in CrohnÃs disease and is the senior surgeon on the Intestinal Failure Unit. Prof Anderson is currently the Director of Emergency Surgery on ASGBI. He visited South Africa in February as the 2016 Penman speaker and discussed what becoming a surgeon in the UK really means.
Professor Darlene Lubbe, associate professor in Otorhinolarynogology at UCT at GSH, specialises in neoplastic lesions involving the sinonasal cavity and anterior skull base.Prof Lubbe taught on the new frontiers of ENT Endoscopic surgery. She currently runs the Karl Storz training programme in endoscopic sinus surgery for Sub-Saharan Africa and runs workshops across Africa.
Dr Kevin Adams is a consultant surgeon in Plastics, Reconstructive and Maxillofacial surgery at Groote Schuur Hospital. He is well-renowned for his micro-surgical skills and works in full gender realignment surgeries. Dr Adams shared on what it means to become a plastic surgeon.
Professor Robert Dunn is the Head of Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at GSH and, Head of the Orthopaedic Spinal Services for GSH and Red Cross Children's Hospital. His interest lies in complex spinal deformities in both adult and paediatric populations. Prof Dunn shared on the life-changing impacts of orthopaedic osteotomy re-alignment.
Dr Llewellyn Padayachy is a consultant paediatric neurosurgeon for Red Cross Children's Hospital. He specialises in craniofacial surgery. He is currently working and shared about using ultrasound to assess pulsatile dynamics of the optic sheath as a method of completely non-invasive intracranial pressure monitoring.
All these surgeons embody the grace, skill, and ingenuity they teach. A humbling experience; to engage with pioneers and teachers of excellence who emphasise the patient-centred approach, and impart a spirit of perseverance and innovation to the next generation of surgeons.