MCh Orth Testimonials
Dr Amitava Narayan Mukherjee
Chief Consultant, Ortho and Joint Replacements Clinic, Kolkata, India - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate and Presentation Skills Award (2018)
I feel proud to be a student of the University of Dundee. This is my third qualification from one of the best institutions in the world. To be honest starting the MCh (Orth) at the age of 57 was challenging for me. I express my heartfelt gratitude to Professor Rami J. Abboud, whose words encouraged me with his key note on the first day that "the more you put in the more you will get out of the course". He has been a constant source of inspiration, always helping and provided assistance for our projects and otherwise. I left my family and practice on my quest of learning further about Orthopaedics, which in my opinion, was fulfilled and only possible from this department.
My thesis topic was "Design development and evaluation of a prototype modular humeral component for shoulder arthroplasty" supervised by Dr Tim Drew. Dr Drew, with his brilliant guidance, enormous support, patience and encouragement helped make it a real success. I got valuable assistance during CAD design and sawbone study from the world class Institute of Motion Analysis & Research (IMAR) and the cadaveric simulation was performed on one of the world's best Thiel embalmed cadavers at the Centre of Human Anatomy and Identification (CAHID) which was a dream for me.
My Clinical Attachment, Mr. Arpit Jariwala (Consultant Upper Limb & Trauma Surgeon) provided many useful tips regarding upper limb surgery and the implantation of my prototype design. His cadaveric workshops on shoulder, upper limb and hand were very informative and useful. He continually inspired and gave me the opportunity to observe and assist in different trauma cases and elective upper limb surgeries which refined and enriched my surgical skill.
We had lectures delivered by authorities of their fields and participated in saw-bone and cadaveric workshops on computer navigated THR and TKR by renowned surgeon Mr Kamal Deep, which refined our surgical techniques. The classes of statistics by Dr Weijie Wang, biomechanics by Dr Tim Drew and academic communication by Mr Gordon Spike were all new to me but were very helpful. The library support was unimaginable. Mrs. Sheila MacDonald with her endless patience helped us in all problems. Dr Graham Arnold, Mr Sadiq Nasir with their wonderful knowledge helped us in technical aspects. Mr Ian Christie advised and helped us to design an academic poster, presentations and thesis.
Unfortunately, I was unwell twice during my time in Dundee but the NHS support is unbelievable with all tests and medicines supplied promptly and free of charge.
...I would recommend this MCh (Orth) to all orthopaedic surgeons as it is serious, comprehensive, up-to-date and complete teaching for accomplishing a dream orthopaedic career
Dr Potsangbam Latsaheb Singh
I began my journey as an MCh (Orth) student at the age of 53, after gaining voluntary retirement from the Indian Armed Forces where I served for more than 20 years. I just wanted to have the exposure of my dreams, for my love of Orthopaedics and learning, so I left my job to pursue this degree. This is one of the best courses in the world and definitely a challenging one, considering its duration of only nine months. I was aware that my confidence was at an all-time low when I started my study but this was to change dramatically.
Professor Rami Abboud, our visionary Head of Department, told us on the very first day "that the more we put in the more we would be getting out from this course". This ‘mantra’ did miracles for me. I selected a challenging study and taking advantage of the world class Institute of Motion Analysis & Research (IMAR) a device was developed to test pronation strength in patients after volar plating.
We had lectures delivered by authorities in their fields. During cadaveric workshops, I took advantage of the facility and performed all possible surgical exposures in respective regions. I told myself that I was in the best phase of my learning.
The most pivotal part of my memorable learning experience was the privilege of getting my clinical attachment in upper limb surgery under Mr Arpit Jariwala. He could understand me, could analyse me, and he developed and transformed my academic aptitude. The literal meaning of a 'Guru' is "one who can enlighten you, removing the darkness in you" and I am not wrong when I say "That I found the Guru I had been searching all my life, in him". His approach to teaching and guiding me encompasses every facet of imparting a new academic vision and a transformed outlook of the surgeon in me. As I requested I was also given the exceptional opportunity to work under Mr Carlos Wigderowitz, a giant in hand surgery. Learning surgeries from these great surgeons gave me lots of confidence. Be it replacement of small finger joints or the elbow and shoulder, be it Camitz tendon transfer or dermal allograft reconstruction of rotator cuff, be it triscaphe fusion or shoulder fusion, I could learn every possible surgery in this superspeciality with their guidance.
My approach to any clinical scenario has changed after this course. I learned patient-centered evidence-based decisions from experienced consultants. I could clarify my doubts with any decision and the teachers were all very happy to explain the rationale of the clinical decisions. I never found this healthy atmosphere of teaching and learning back in my own country.
Now as an MCh(Orth) from this wonderful institute, I intend to follow the footsteps of my esteemed teachers in imparting knowledge to striving students in India.
Dr Harshavardhan H. P.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Manipal Hospital, Malleshwarm, Bangalore MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate and Clinical Assistance Award (2016)
1. Refresh your orthopaedic knowledge: You are taught with a series of lectures and seminars by the best specialist teaching faculty across the entire UK, which help orthopaedic surgeons to refresh their knowledge in-depth about basic sciences, biomechanical and surgical techniques and recent advances in orthopaedics. In addition you are illuminated with dry bone and cadaveric workshops during your study.
2. Redefine your research ability: Personal attention is given to you by a supervisor to carry out your research project during your study. You are guided systematically which helps to redefine and enhance your research skills. This inspires you to continue research when you return to your country. Many students have published their research in peer-review indexed journals and some have patented their inventions during their study.
3. Refine your surgical skills: This course provides clinical attachment with a consultant orthopaedic surgeons during your study without the need for GMC registration, and allows for hundreds of hours of operating theatre assistance and experience which helps you refine and enhance your surgical skills.
4. Remarkable experience in your career: The state of art Institute of Motion Analysis and Research (IMAR) at the Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma surgery is one of the leading biomechanics and motion analysis centres in the world. It provides a diverse range of research, clinical and learning opportunities to investigate something new in the world of orthopaedics which remains a remarkable experience in your career.
5. Rediscover your student life: The University of Dundee is rated 4th among the top UK universities and has been named number one student union in the entire UK. The campus is a perfect blend of joy, fun, excitement, and an ideal place to rediscover your student life which you can cherish forever. The city of Dundee prides itself in providing quality of living at an affordable price when compared to other major UK cities.
Dr Pradyumna Raval
Specialty Doctor in Trauma and Orthopaedics, Wishaw General Hospital, Lanarkshire, UK - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate and Clinical Assistance Award (2015)
They say that “time flies when you’re having fun” and it is so true. I still remember my first day at the MCh (Orth) Dundee course and today I’m writing a testimonial about it! I strongly feel this course is by far the most comprehensive MCh (Orth) course available in the world today. Not only are all aspects of Orthopaedics well covered but also certain topics such as biomechanics and statistics are taught very well indeed. The academic writing classes are equally important, especially for those candidates who aspire to write clinically relevant articles in high impact orthopaedic journals.
Each candidate is allotted to his preferred sub-speciality. I had opted for upper limb and was allocated to Mr. Jariwala’s unit. It was indeed a great learning experience for me. I started being an observer and over a short span of time was assisting in all major cases both on the trauma and elective side. During my time in Dundee I wrote four research articles and submitted two abstracts to upcoming orthopaedic meetings in the UK.
Dr Ranat R. Vishnoi
Consultant Trauma and Arthroplasty, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate (2015)
I think “In this era of medical practice, providing the utmost recent and best-proven option to our patients is a basic prerequisite for an orthopaedic surgeon”. To fulfil my ambition, after completing my orthopaedic training and working as a junior consultant in trauma and arthroplasty, I was suggested this course by previous alumni’s of MCh (Orth) Dundee. Now after successfully completing the course and pursuing my arthroplasty fellowship in England, I would highly recommend this course as a must for all budding orthopaedicians after their basic orthopaedic training.
Professor Abboud has structured MCh (Orth) in such a manner that it includes each and every aspect that are missing from our orthopaedic training. It’s a blend of Masters and PhD degree that even gives liberty to choose a research project or design your own implant under preferred supervisors. Lectures are well planned, highly interactive, and contain all recent proposed guidelines, which are dictated by world-renowned faculty members. This course provides plenty of opportunities like assisting in theatres, performing cadaveric/dry bone workshops using the latest instruments, attending conferences, publications and giving presentations. I am grateful to all the staff of the TORT Centre for their conscientious support, and treating us like their family. I feel honoured to be a part of this esteemed MCh (Orth) Dundee fraternity, in its second decade.
Dr Paras Gupta
Joint Replacement Fellow, New Delhi, India - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate (2015)
MCh (Orth) at the University of Dundee is a special course from several perspectives. Although there is no doubt that it is as prestigious as it can get, only those who have done it will realise that it is a confluence of various sciences which gives it a special flavour. As an orthopaedic surgeon, there are times when you forget that the various injuries and diseases are not only an organic phenomenon, but a combination of biomechanical and chemical processes. Thus the basic sciences form the foundation of this course. It's about venturing into the lesser known territories in orthopaedic pathology, with cutting edge technology and innovation. It's no surprise that the research forms the major chunk of the MCh curriculum. You understand the things which separate a great research paper from an ordinary one and this knowledge is shared not in between the lines but is taught more objectively. Formal lectures along with operating theatre exposure is topped by the clinical workshops in joint arthroplasty and navigation. Such a comprehensive syllabus, which is superbly organised, taught by an excellent faculty, high quality research and a prestigious degree makes this course an ultimate career goal for any orthopaedic surgeon.
Dr Calvin Mathias
Resident Physician in Orthopaedics, Ng Teng Fong Hospital, Singapore - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate and Ian Smillie Class Award of Distinction and David Rowley Presentation Skills Award (2015)
The Dundee MCh (Orth) course provides a unique experience outside the traditional norm of orthopaedic training. The course is structured perfectly with an impeccable blend of lectures, scientific research work and a clinical attachment of your choice. Several course lectures, given by eminent orthopaedic surgeons of all sub-specialities, are eye-opening in terms of the insights gleaned. Special emphasis is given to developing a clear understanding of the basic sciences and biomechanics, which should be the foundation of every aspiring orthopaedic trainee.
My personal experience at the MCh (Orth) course was outstanding. Professor Rami Abboud and his dedicated staff are geared towards academic excellence. They instill confidence, provide guidance and inspiration to every MCh (Orth) student, allowing you to achieve your full potential. The implant I designed for my research was submitted for a patent application, enabling me to become an inventor, a personal achievement I have dreamed of for many years. Exposure to such cutting-edge research work at the TORT Centre was my source of inspiration, and the support of the ever-smiling faculty was instrumental to my achievements this year at the University. I even had the honour of receiving the prestigious 'Ian Smillie' and 'David Rowley' awards. My decision to study this MCh (Orth) course in Dundee was the best career move I've made, one that has helped me develop professionally and given me a new confidence that I will carry for the rest of my career.
I am proud to be an MCh (Orth) degree holder, and would recommend this course to anyone who wishes to enrich their orthopaedic career. I not only have an excellent new group of colleagues from Ninewells Hospital and the University of Dundee, but also a great set of life-long friends.
Dr Vinod Vaishnav
Consultant Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Mumbai - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate and Ian Kelly Scientific Communication Award (2015)
I had an international experience with my previous joint replacement fellowships from USA, England and Germany; however the MCh (Orth) Dundee UK course was the best amongst them. The MCh (Orth) Dundee, is a very well structured, comprehensive and unique course. The special features of this course include clinical attachment in operation theaters, excellent national and international teaching faculty, covering all topics of orthopaedics including those which are usually not taught to Indian postgraduate students in detail such as foot and ankle biomechanics, orthotics and prosthetics and advanced joint arthroplasty.
Teaching in the form of clinical attachments, lectures, workshops and conferences is at its best in Dundee. Research forms a basic component of this course and allows you to choose any topic of specific interest. Completion of this course was definitely an achievement for me personally. Receiving the Ian Kelly Scientific Award for my research has added to my credentials. Apart from adding value to my CV, it provides an overall development as an orthopaedic surgeon thereby opening doors for professional success. I would recommend this course, which has a successful history of more than 20 years, to all orthopaedic surgeons who wish to learn orthopaedics on a different level.
Dr Xiaoming Zhao
Speciality Doctor in Trauma and Orthopaedics, No.85 Hospital, Shanghai, China - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate (2015)
The MCh (Orth) course at Dundee is an essential and comprehensive course. I really enjoyed my studies this year. It is an intensive nine months and requires dedication and hard work but you have the opportunity to study with some of the top orthopaedic surgeons in the World; assist extremely experienced consultants in the theatre; attend research and rehabilitation based lectures, as well as biomechanics, orthotics and prosthetics, which you may not have had the opportunity to study in medical school but highly related to your future work.
I am so proud to finish this MCh (Orth) course in Dundee and to be a part of this big family of graduates. Everyone associated with the course were great and I would like to recommend this course to all aspiring orthopaedic surgeons who want to achieve a better career goal. This course is a must!
Dr Gbolahan Ademua
Medical Consultant, Nigerian Army (2014)
Dr Husam Elbana
Speciality Doctor Trauma and Orthopaedics, University Hospitals of Morcambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (2014)
Dr Sahil Sanghi
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of orthopaedics, Rohtak, India (2014)
Dr Amit Sharma
Consultant Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Kailash Healthcare, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals New Delhi (2014)
Dr Vikram Arun Mhaskar
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Knee & Shoulder Clinic, New Delhi, India - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate and David Rowley Presentation Skills Award (2013)
The Dundee MCh (Orth) course is an experience no orthopaedic surgeon should miss if he or she desires professional excellence. The course inculcates a desire to excel as a research oriented orthopaedic surgeon well versed with the latest techniques of surgery that is extremely important to succeed in life. The wonderful facilities available at the centre, including a fully equipped sports laboratory, go a long way in facilitating cutting edge research. The clinical attachments with stalwarts in the field of orthopaedic surgery add a finishing touch to our existing knowledge on techniques of surgery. The staff in the department are very friendly, helpful and approachable making life as smooth as possible during the course. I would go onto say that the course is a stepping stone to reach greater heights as a decisive, confident orthopaedic surgeon. I have some of my fondest memories in life during my stay in Dundee and my interactions with Professor Abboud and hope the course continues to produce gems in the field of orthopaedic surgery.
Dr Nirmalya Deb
Consultant Lower Limb Arthroplasty and Arthroscopy Surgeon, Kolkata, West Bengal, India - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate and David Rowley Presentation Skills Award (2012)
My ultimate goal was to achieve the MCh Orth degree after completion of my MSc Orth degree from the University of Dundee. I found that the MCh Orth course was equally interesting as my MSc Orth course – beginning with basics like mechanics and biomechanical applications and progressing further to clinical medicine. One of the unique features of this course is the clinical attachment to a senior consultant where one can participate in surgeries as well as in the clinics which is useful in learning more about the system and practice of medicine in the NHS, UK. Further, the lab-based projects are well designed to add an extra insight to one’s already existing clinical acumen and analytic capacity, which is extremely valuable. Additionally the lectures by renowned surgeons in the UK and abroad are aptly conceived to cover a wide variety of topics which is highly beneficial in the day-to-day practice. I am delighted to learn that the MCh Orth course has recently gained accreditation from the Royal College of Surgeons of England which I hope, will encourage more surgeons from India and abroad to apply for this prestigious course.
Dr Tanveer Singh Bhutani
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate and Ian Kelly Scientific Communication Award (2012)
It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be an MCh Orth student at the University of Dundee. This course is a comprehensive training and research program in orthopaedics, which also comprises a hospital attachment with your own allocated Consultant in Ninewells Hospital, UK. Being a part of the course helped open my eyes to new frontiers in orthopaedics such as total ankle replacement, total elbow replacement, anatomical ACL reconstructions, MPFL reconstructions and chondroplasty.
There is a huge emphasis placed on research, the methods and principles to be adhered to, and how to write an effective research paper and produce a scientific conference poster. Carrying out research has now become a habit that has been inculcated in me forever, thanks to the training and inspiration I received as a student at the University of Dundee. Being an Alumnus of the University of Dundee has its own unique charm, and has helped my career to further develop personally and professionally. It has helped bring a level of professionalism, poise, and confidence to my everyday practice that I don’t think would otherwise have been possible.
I am glad to have had the opportunity to be a part of the MCh Orth legacy, and I think anyone who is lucky enough to get accepted onto the course, should grasp the opportunity with both hands. I am a proud to say that I am part of Dundee University and keep going back to my professors, consultants and staff at Ninewells Hospital for advice, guidance and for the joy of lifelong friendships.
Dr Manish Kiran
Upper Limb Fellow, Bedford hospital, England - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate and Ian Smillie Class Award of Distinction for best overall student (2012)
The MCh Orth course at Dundee is a structured and comprehensive postgraduate orthopaedic course, the only one of its kind to be offered full-time for international orthopaedic surgeons. It is well respected all over the world for the quality of education and the strict criteria for admission and completion, putting surgeons who have have done the course ahead of their peers.
I had the opportunity to listen to lectures by some of the best surgeons and teachers in each sub-speciality of orthopaedics from around the UK, which I think is unique to the programme. I learnt how to write research papers during the series of lectures on academic writing. I had the opportunity to work with some of the best surgeons during my time in theatre, wherein I learnt the nuances of joint replacement, arthroscopy and upper limb surgery. The course covered most of the curriculum for the FRCS (Tr&Orth) exam. I realised this when I scored almost equal to the candidates about to take up the Part 1 exam, in a mock exam for trainees conducted all over the UK before the actual exams.
The faculty under Professor Rami Abboud are dedicated and constantly inspired me to do better, which culminated in me winning the prestigious Ian Smillie award. This helped me get a fellowship in lower limb arthroplasty at Ninewells Hospital and subsequently my present upper limb fellowship at Bedford. I would thoroughly recommend this course to every orthopaedic surgeon, for the totality of the learning experience.
Dr Dhiraj Marothi
Arthroplasty Surgeon, Shalby Hospital, Ahmedabad, India) - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate (2009)
In 2009-2010 while pursuing my masters of Orthopaedics Surgery in Dundee, I was clinically attached with Mr AS Jain where I was exposed to specialty in lower limb reconstruction as well as foot and ankle and attended to OPD and indoor patients. I did my research project on "How much have we lowered our threshold for patient selection for hip arthroplasty in the last 10 years?". The MCh, Dundee course gave me a sound grounding in basic knowledge of orthopaedics and trauma surgery. I enjoyed my time in Dundee and on successfully completing my degree there I stayed for a further six more months working in Ninewells Hospital. During this tenure I got selected in Brigand Wales because of clinical experience of UK. Meanwhile I got call from Shalby Hospitals, India. In the last four years, I have done more than 3000 knee replacements. I personally feel the specialised MCh experience helped greatly in advancing my career in India.
Dr Rahul Agrawal
Consultant Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Chandra Knee Clinics & Apollo Hospitals International, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate (2009)
The MCh Orth, Dundee course, which I completed in 2009 was the best experience I have had in my career. I consider this to be the most important and highly essential course for one to achieve excellence in the field of orthopaedics. I had an opportunity to work with some of the best surgeons in the UK during the training period. We had regular classes along with group discussions, which in turn enhanced my all-round development in Orthopaedics as well as sharpening my research and communication skills. I'm sincerely thankful to Dr Parag Sancheti, who guided me during my postgraduate days in Pune and who urged me to apply for the MChOrth, Dundee course,which was a career milestone that has enhanced my future prospects. Professor Abboud always inspired me to do the best and I sincerely hope the course continues to guide future aspiring orthopaedic surgeons.
Dr Yasir Mustafa Khan
Patel Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate (2008)
I am writing this recommendation five years after successfully completing the MCh Orth, Dundee Course. This course has helped me enormously to grow both professionally and personally. At that time I was struggling to make a name in the field of Orthopaedics and after finishing this course I returned home and started working in the private sector and am currently working as Head of Department and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in a busy tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. I am thankful to Professor Rami Abboud and his team for giving me the confidence to further my career. I highly recommend this course to my junior and senior colleagues alike.
Dr Rajesh Garg
Consultant Orthopaedic Joint Replacement Surgeon, Max Hospital, Delhi, Tirath Ram Shah Hospital, Delhi - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate and Ian Smillie Class Award of Distinction for best overall student (2007)
My learning experience in Dundee in 2007 was a fantastic journey. It took me two years to gain admission onto the MCh (Orth) course due to the huge volume of applicants but it was well worth the wait as the course was better than all my expectations. There were continuous academic lectures (something lacking during our postgraduate training) by an incredible faculty. There were days allotted for lectures and also operating theatre days during which I attended and assisted various surgeries including joint replacement, arthroscopy and spinal surgery. During theatre time I learnt all the finer details and the 'tricks of the trade' that I now apply to my own flourishing practice of joint replacement surgery. I arrived in Dundee from India with my wife and nine-month old daughter. We got comfortable accommodation in the university itself so that my family didn't get bored during their stay. There were lot of activities and functions arranged by the Dundee University Student Association (DUSA) so that during our entire stay we were made to feel very welcome. I left Dundee having added to both my surgical and social skills and also with the prized MCH (Orth), Dundee degree which helped to kick-start my orthopaedic career back home in 2007.
Mr Arpit Jariwala
Upper Limb Fellow, Upper Limb Unit, Wrightington Hospital, England) - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate and Ian Smillie Class Award of Distinction for best overall student (2003)
The MCh (Orth) course in Dundee, UK is unique as it offers comprehensive orthopaedic experience essential for orthopaedic surgeons looking to gain further specialist knowledge and skills in addition to a UK qualification. Excellent teaching faculty, diverse lectures, numerous orthopaedic workshops and extremely helpful staff are the highlights of this course. In addition, the distinctive access to both elective and trauma theatres and clinics help surgeons to gain knowledge regarding the evidence-based management of various orthopaedic conditions. In addition to gaining a UK qualification, the course helped me gain a place on the Higher Orthopaedic training rotation in UK and fully supported me for my present Upper Limb Fellowship at the prestigious Wrightington Hospital.
Dr Parag Sancheti
Professor and Medical Director, Sancheti Orthopaedic Institute, Pune, India) MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate and Presentation Skills Award (2003)
Completing the MCh (Orth) course in Dundee, UK, was one of the ultimate achievements in my career. In my opinion this particular MCh Orth course is worth the time and money spent. I strongly recommend this course for enhancing all-round development in orthopaedics and also for sharpening research and academic communication skills with special emphasis on producing a well written and structured dissertation for peer review publication. Gaining the Dundee MCh Orth degree, which is a foreign qualification, will also add value to your CV and improve your job prospects and orthopaedic career. I consider it as an essential course for all orthopaedic surgeons who aspire to achieve orthopaedic excellence.
Professor James D. Hutchison
ex-External Examiner for MCh Orth, Dundee, Course (1997-2000)
The MCh (Orth) Dundee course has evolved to its current high standard as the result of great attention to organisational detail, continuall high quality teaching and well validated credible assessment techniques. Every year there are excellent projects with high quality support and supervision from experts in their field.
The Course Director, Professor Abboud, has assembled a curriculum, faculty, structure and facilities which makes this course pre-eminent and the best of its type in the UK.
Dr Syed Aftab Ahmad
Shoulder Fellow, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital) - MCh Orth, Dundee, Graduate and Ian Smillie Class Award of Distinction for best overall student (2002)
Although my MCh (Orth) Dundee wasn't my first international exposure, it was definitely the best. My journey and my stay were going to be the experience of a lifetime with beautiful memories I continue to cherish. The learning experience was great and the staff members were even better. Seeing the well-developed structured program covering a range of clinical and research topics, I realized how much more I was required to know in my chosen profession. Although most of us had written a thesis before, it was only after starting the Academic English classes that I gathered how little I knew about this skill; learning academic writing, referencing and paper presentation as per international standards. To me, Dundee wasn't only about studies and work it was about sharing ideas, cultures and making new lifelong friendships. The work and teaching culture was so different to my experiences in India. I could never have imagined having a constructive 'argument' with my mentor back home. I suspect it is a cultural issue that we are trained to remain docile and not to question our esteemed professors. Albert Einstein stated that the biggest hindrance in intellectual development is to believe in your teachers blindly without asking "Why?" The most important lesson I learnt in Dundee is that I learnt to ask "Why?"
Mr Sanjay V. Sonanis
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Bronglais General Hospital, Aberystwyth - MCh Orth Graduate (1997)
It gives me a great pleasure in providing a testimony for MCh Orthopaedic at Dundee University, which I completed in 1997. The department was headed by Professor Rowley and Professor Rami Abboud, Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery, and Institute of Biomechanics & Motion Analysis and Research. It was an eye opening institute which had the latest technologies available at Dundee University for the MCh Orthopaedic course, especially involving foot plate measurements and gait analysis by Professor Rami Abboud with innovative publications.
I travelled to Dundee from Yorkshire, and stayed in excellent University accommodation, with the latest facilities. The course was attended by people from various countries, with explicit lectures. We visited various orthopaedic departments around Dundee. We were able to pick up a thesis topic of our own interest, supervised by the Professors at the University. Apart from orthopaedic, it also taught me more about clinical audit and research, which subsequently helped me to write more than 30 papers, now cited in orthopaedics text books in UK and USA. It also opened more horizons in understanding the 3D structure of bone and implants. It also inspired me to develop an special interest in CAD designing in 1998, turning orthopaedic ideas into reality, with new ideas and writing patents.It is an excellent institution for orthopaedic training under experienced teachers.
