Dr Nur Ul Ain

  

The BFIRST Fellowship was an incredible learning experience that profoundly enriched my
professional journey and opened new doors for growth and discovery. During the fellowship, I
had the privilege of working in both the North and South of the UK, which exposed me to
diverse clinical settings and surgical approaches.

My initial placement was at the Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust, where I focused on breast reconstruction using the DIEP flap technique. I benefited from the latest advancements and state-of-the-art equipment, which not only deepened my technical knowledge but also broadened my understanding of patient care. Additionally, I was exposed to a wide array of cases, including burn care, emergency and elective hand surgeries, and complex breast and perineal reconstructions.

A highlight of my time at Mid Yorkshire was the opportunity to attend the Mid Yorkshire Research Meeting. My supervisor, Mr. Umair Anwar, encouraged my passion for research byfacilitating my participation. This allowed me to witness exceptional presentations and innovative studies. The experience inspired me to further explore the integration of research into clinical practice, reinforcing my belief in the importance of evidence-based medicine. The second phase of my fellowship took me to the John Radcliffe Hospital, part of the prestigious Oxford University Hospitals, where I joined the craniofacial department under the mentorship of Mr. David Johnson. This rotation was truly transformative, as it marked the first time I observed craniofacial surgeries in practice rather than through textbooks. I was particularly fascinated by the well-organized multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach and the state-of-the-art care, which expanded my understanding of the field and sparked a deeper interest in this subspecialty.

During my time in the UK, I was fortunate to attend several esteemed conferences and masterclasses, further enhancing my learning. The BAPRAS Congress 2024 in South Wales was an exceptional opportunity to hear from and network with some of the most respected figures in plastic surgery worldwide. I also attended the BAAPS Aesthetic Masterclass, the Face and Body Surgery European Aesthetic Symposium, and the UKAAPS CAPSCO Masterclass on Post-Massive Weight Loss Body Contouring in London. These events offered invaluable insights into the latest techniques and trends in plastic and reconstructive surgery, helping me refine my clinical acumen.

The fellowship was not only about technical skill development but also about the warmth and support of the colleagues and mentors I met along the way. I am deeply grateful to my fellowship supervisors, Mr. Naveen Cavale, Prof. Ash Mosahebi, Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria, Mr. Sanjeeb Majumder, Mr. Stephen Southern, Ms. Rosie Ching, Mr. David Mather, Mr. Mark Swan, Mr. Will Holmes, and Mr. Paul Mohammed for their guidance and encouragement. Their mentorship created an environment where I could thrive and grow both professionally and personally. I also deeply appreciate the wonderful trainees and fellows—Katherine Radcliffe, Yashvinder Kumar, Zhi Ng, Samuel Teklay, Matt Langford, and Ben Patel—who helped me navigate the new healthcare system and made my experience even more enriching.

A special mention goes to my dearest friend, Dujanah S. Bhatti, whose unwavering support and encouragement helped me navigate every challenge. Without his guidance and assistance, I would have been lost at many critical junctures during my time in the UK. In conclusion, the BFIRST Fellowship was an extraordinary and transformative experience that I wholeheartedly recommend to all plastic surgeons from middle-income and low-income countries. The exposure to cutting-edge techniques, world-class mentorship, and diverse clinical cases provided an unparalleled opportunity to develop as a surgeon and researcher. This fellowship not only equipped me with advanced skills but also inspired a renewed, sense of purpose and passion for my field. I am immensely grateful for the experiences and relationships I gained during this journey, which will undoubtedly shape the rest of my career.