Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffith University’s School of Anatomy have reinforced theircredentials as leading teaching facilities, with more than 30 international surgeons visiting the Coastfor a two-day training course.
The opportunity to tap into the knowledge and expertise ofGold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) orthopaedic surgeons has seen 35 Indian doctors spend the weekend being trained in modern surgical techniques and discussing problem cases with local experts.
The initiative is a collaboration between GCUH’s Orthopaedic Department andGriffith University’s School of Anatomy, which has provided the surgeons with access to its state-of-the-art training facilities.
International training
GCUH Orthopaedic Surgeon Professor Randy Bindra said it was one of the first times the hospital had conducted an international training course on such a large scale.
“We are Gold Coast ‘University’ Hospital and one of our goals is improving patient care worldwide through research and training,” he said.
“While the majority of our focus is looking after our own patients, it is a privilege to share our wealth of knowledge with overseas doctors when we get these opportunities.”
The Indian surgeons spent one day of the course working on cadavers at Griffith University to learn modern surgical techniques, while the other was spent analysing problem cases with Prof Bindra and fellow GCUH Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Ezekial Tan.
“They were very impressed with our teaching facilities, especially our access to Griffith University’s School of Anatomy literally across the road,” Prof Bindra said.
“While they have cadavers in India for teaching anatomy, they don’t have access to them for learning surgery so this has been a wonderful opportunity for them.
Modern surgical techniques
“They also brought x-rays of their own cases so we could discuss how they could approach difficult fractures using modern surgical techniques. They know we see a large volume of complex accidents, which means our surgeons are very experienced in dealing with complicated situations.
“GCUH is one of the busiest Emergency Departments in the country so we are continually getting better at dealing with complex cases and it’s no surprise clinicians from overseas want to come here to learn from us. This is course is only the beginning when it comes to what we can offer our medical colleagues on a global scale.”
Professor Sheena Reilly, director of Griffith’s Menzies Health Institute Queensland said the collaboration between the two organisations isan excellent example of international knowledge sharing here on the Gold Coast.
“Asa centre of research excellence on the Gold Coast and as a collaborative partner with the GCUH, it is great to be able to share the wonderful facilities we have here at Griffith, with international groups who may not have such facilities in their home countries.”