Thoughts of a past MCh (Orth) student

My name is Dr Harshavardhan and I'm writing this during my Master of Orthopaedic Surgery (MCh Orth) Dundee 2015-16 course as I'm eager to share my operating theatre experience working with Mr Arpit Jariwala, himself an MCh (Orth) Dundee graduate from 2003 and a consultant upper limb orthopaedic surgeon.

I've learnt new operating techniques such as treating AC Joint reconstruction using Surgi ligament, fixing osteoporotic greater tuberosity humerus fracture using Helix anchors and peek sutures, Biceps repair using Endobutton and dislocated lunate fixation using Suture anchors. Although these types of fractures are common in my home country of India, I'm delighted to see and assist in these advanced techniques in treating them. I've always believed shoulder arthroscopy to be more exciting, and here in the UK, I'm gained the opportunity to learn the entire spectrum of shoulder arthroscopic procedures from Mr Jariwala. I'd like to add that working with Mr Jariwala is a complete treat due to his vast experience of upper limb surgeries and thorough scholarly knowledge.

Recently I assisted one more rare case with Mr Gillies Avison, consultant orthopaedic arthroplasty surgeon. A Hybrid THR for degenerative arthritis secondary to SCFE in which the femoral head was completely arthrodesed to the acetabulum. Although it’s very challenging surgery, it looked very simple in the expert hands of Mr Avison. I even remember him saying, he himself was unsure whether he wa going to see another such like case. Working alongside Mr Avison has further increased the depth of my knowledge in hip and knee arthroplasty.

Left: Dr Harshavardhan with his lead supervisor Mr Avison; Right: Dr Harshavardhan, Mr Arpit Jariwala, and Surgical Trainee, Mr Alistair Mayne.

I'm thoroughly enjoying my course and learning new surgeries in the operating theatre and I hope to experience more rare operations. This way I'll be confident enough to implement these techniques when I return home to India.

This MCh (Orth) in Dundee allows for hundreds of hours of operating theatre assistance and experience without the need for GMC recognition, which was a major factor in me choosing this long-established and well-respected MCh (Orth) degree which is fully accredited by the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

I hope others, like myself, will make the right decision and choose to pursue and enhance their orthopaedic knowledge by choosing the University of Dundee. You'll not regret it!