Webinars

We have 2 fantastic webinars lined up:

Lower Limb Reconstruction - 30th November 2024, 1pm 
Dr Metasebia Worku Abebe
Associate Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Register here!


Beyond Good Intentions: Rethinking Global Medical Aid for Sustainable Impact – 14^th December 2024, 1pm
Miss Hayat Nadama
ST4 Vascular Surgery Registrar in North West, UK.
Register here!
 

If you have missed any of our previous webinars you can watch them on our website!

There are also some fantastic webinars for revision of key topics within Plastic Surgery available!

 

Projects 

Cambodia 

From the 14-18^th October, a 12-person strong team of consultant and trainee surgeons and an expert hand therapist from across the UK and Singapore visited the Children's Surgical Centre in Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

This is a collaboration which has been in effect since 2013, where Mr Wee Lam and Miss Sara Dorman in association with BFIRST, BSSH global partnerships and some hand surgeons from Singapore have visited almost twice annually to build their brachial Plexus and Congenital hand service.

This was another very successful trip, where highlights included the first free functional muscle transfer for a Plexus injury, and the first time Khmer surgeon Dr Bonvath raised an ALT flap for a neglected snake bite trauma to the foot.

Immense progress was also made in the therapy department, with our hand therapist Karen Murphy sharing invaluable insights to therapists, surgeons and students alike.


Ethiopia 
Between 22^nd-24^th October two senior hand surgeons, Mr Neil Cahoon and Mr Rupert Eckersley, senior registrar Alistair Reed, and Hand therapist Jim Dinley, visited St Paul’s hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they taught on the BSSH/BFIRST 2024 co-sponsored ALERT International Hand Trauma Workshop.
 

The course included interactive lectures and group discussions on common hand trauma conditions, including the use of a variety of flaps for soft tissue reconstruction in upper limb injuries. The course also included a full day of cadaveric dissection where the attendees were able to practice multiple aspects of upper limb trauma surgery, including common approaches to the fingers, hand, wrist, and distal radius, brachial plexus exploration, and local and regional flaps.

While visiting the ‘home of coffee’ the team had many opportunities to sample the local coffee beans, including during a trip to one of the famous Tomoca Coffee shops.
 

Zimbabwe
BFirst trip to CURE International Children’s Orthopaedic Hospital, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Between 30^th September and 4^th October 2024, congenital hand specialist Plastic Hand surgeons Jamil Moledina and Drew Fleming visited the Cure hospital at the invitation of by Andrew Hodges FRCS(Plast) and the Hospital Director Jonathan Simpson, to help with operating and teaching on a range of children with congenital and acquired differences of the hand. The aim of this trip was to teach and operate on a range of children’s hands to enable local surgeons to refresh and acquire a new skill set to help further children going forward.

The visit started with an all-day clinic, with patients having come from all over Zimbabwe, from which 14 children were identified for surgery during this visit.

For the theatre days the team were joined by three local plastic surgeons from Harare - Bhekinkosi Swene, Faith Muchemwa and Owen Muzinda.

A variety of complex elective hand surgery operations were performed during the visit, including the likely first ever 2^nd toe to hand microvascular transfer (for symbrachydactyly) and bilateral pollicisations performed in Zimbabwe. There have been positive feedback on outcomes following the surgeries since the visit.

This busy and productive week was also made possible by the hard-working and attentive local team, including the anaesthetists and nursing staff. A few minor equipment niggles were easily overcome by the ‘Zimbabwean’s make a plan’ ethos!

The team also had the opportunity to visit Matopos National Park, and were personally escorted by Senator David Coltart, the Mayor of Bulawayo. This is a World Heritage park characterised by massive granite rock formations and rock art dating back to early humans… and highly recommended for any visitors to Zimbabwe!

Upcoming Projects 
We have upcoming projects to Nepal and The Gambia!

The project to the Gambia will take place in between 29^th November and 6^th December.

We will bring you updates about these projects, and how you can get involved and support them!

Fellowships

We have 4 confirmed 2024 BFIRST Fellows who are or have completed BFIRST fellowships across the UK. These are Plastic Surgeons from resource-poor countries, who are or will be spending time in Plastic Surgery Units in the UK to gain experience and training.

     Dr Salma Batool from Lahore, Pakistan, has completed her BFIRST fellowship in Swansea and Nottingham, with a focus on Hand and Upper Limb. 

     Dr Sania Ahmad from Lahore, Pakistan, is currently completing a BFIRST fellowship in East Grinstead, focusing on Breast Reconstruction. 

     Dr Nur Ul Ain from Lahore, Pakistan, will be completing a BFIRST fellowship in Wakefield and Oxford, focusing on Hands and Burns.
 
     Dr Ali Azeem from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, will be completing a BFIRST fellowship later this year in Oxford and Newcastle. 


Dr Sania Ahmad's Experience
Fellowship Duration: 23rd August, 2024 – 31^st October, 2024
Supervisor: Miss Anita Hazari

My six-week BFIRST fellowship at Queen Victoria Hospital was an invaluable opportunity to deepen my understanding of breast reconstruction techniques, particularly microvascular procedures. Under the expert supervision of Miss Anita Hazari, I was immersed in a dynamic environment where I learned innovative skills, gained hands-on experience, and developed a clearer perspective on the training methodologies utilized within the NHS.
 
Learning New Techniques and Skills in Theatres
One of the primary focuses of my fellowship was to learn advanced microvascular techniques for breast reconstruction, specifically the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap, the Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator (LUG) flap, and the Transverse Upper Gracilis (TUG) flap. I had the opportunity to observe multiple surgeries, and I learned how to effectively harvest the flap while ensuring adequate perfusion and minimizing donor site morbidity. The Pre-op case discussions and meticulous planning involved in mapping out perforators was particularly enlightening, as it emphasized the importance of preoperative imaging and patient-specific considerations.
In addition to microvascular techniques, I gained insights into breast reduction and mastopexies to create symmetry. Observing these procedures broadened my knowledge of how aesthetic considerations are integrated into functional outcomes.
Nipple reconstruction was another area of focus, and I learned about various techniques to achieve natural-looking results, which is often a significant aspect of patient satisfaction. Also follow up surgeries with lipofilling the reconstructed breasts to create symmetry was another spectrum that added to my experience
Observing surgeries led by a number of consultants in the department helped me appreciate the diversity of approaches within breast reconstruction and fostered a collaborative learning environment. I learned not only surgical techniques but also the importance of adaptability in the operating room. Each case presented different challenges, and witnessing how experienced surgeons navigated these complexities was invaluable.
 
Outpatient Clinics and Interactions
A significant component of my fellowship included exposure to consultant outpatient clinics. These sessions provided a comprehensive view of patient management and the preoperative assessment process and their counselling sessions with obtaining consents. Engaging with patients and observing their concerns and expectations highlighted the critical role of communication in achieving successful outcomes.

Training System of the NHS
A key aspect of my fellowship was the opportunity to observe the training system within the NHS. The structured teaching methods and collaborative environment greatly impressed me. I noted how consultants engaged with trainees, providing not just technical instruction but also mentoring and encouragement. The emphasis on continual learning and feedback was evident, and it reinforced the importance of a supportive educational atmosphere. I plan to implement similar strategies for my trainees in their training programs in Pakistan, fostering an environment where trainees feel empowered to ask questions and learn from their experiences.

Conclusion
Overall, my fellowship experience at Queen Victoria Hospital was exceptional. The opportunity to learn advanced microvascular techniques, engage with patients, and observe a robust training system has profoundly impacted my professional development. I am optimistic that the skills and insights I gained during this fellowship will enhance my practice in Pakistan, ultimately benefiting my patients and trainees.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Miss Anita Hazari and all the consultants, registrars and theatre staff at Queen Victoria Hospital for their support and guidance throughout this journey. I am extremely grateful to BFIRST organization for providing me this great opportunity.

Ganga
Dr Dagmawi and Dr Nagasa undertook a sponsored observership and Micro lab Training at Ganga Hospital.

Observership Experience

During our time at Ganga Hospital, we were immersed in an environment of excellence in surgical practice and patient care. We had the privilege of observing a wide range of microsurgical procedures and hand surgeries under the guidance of esteemed surgeons and medical professionals. Each day provided us with invaluable insights into advanced surgical techniques, patient management, and the importance of precision in microsurgery.

The experience we received during the observership allowed us to closely observe the intricacies of surgical procedures, enhancing our understanding of anatomy, tool usage, and patient outcomes. The faculty at Ganga Hospital were not only knowledgeable but also exceptionally engaging, encouraging us to ask questions and delve deeper into the methodologies employed.

Micro Lab Training

Following our observership, the one-week micro lab training was equally impactful. This training provided us with an opportunity to practice techniques in a controlled environment, sharpening our skills in suturing, nerve repairs, and flap surgeries. The practical sessions were particularly beneficial, reinforcing our theoretical knowledge while allowing us to develop our technical abilities.

Community Impact and Future Plans
We are proud to say that this scholarship and training meant a great deal to us, both professionally and personally. We have returned to Ethiopia with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to apply what we have learned in our local communities. We firmly believe that the skills acquired at Ganga Hospital will enable us to contribute significantly to the field of reconstructive surgery in Ethiopia, particularly in areas that require advanced microsurgical techniques.

We would also like to mention that we returned to Ethiopia a few days earlier than the expected return date due to an urgent workshop invitation in Addis Ababa. We hope that this adjustment to our schedule does not cause any disappointment, as we felt it was essential to participate in the workshop to further enhance our skills and knowledge for the benefit of our community.

Moving forward, we are committed to sharing our knowledge with our peers. We plan to organize workshops and training sessions to disseminate the information and skills we have gained, fostering an environment of continuous learning within our medical community. By doing so, we aim to raise the standard of surgical care and improve outcomes for our patients. We are also ready to collaborate with BFIRST in any mission organized by this esteemed organization. We cannot wait to host BFIRST wherever we will be assigned to work at.

Conclusion
In closing, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to BFIRST for making this life-changing opportunity possible. The memories and knowledge we gained during our time at Ganga Hospital will serve as a strong foundation for our future endeavors. We are excited about the impact we can make in our community, and we look forward to keeping you updated on our progress as we implement what we have learned.

BFIRST Fellows 2025
We have received applications from 31 doctors from 8 countries to become one of six BFIRST fellows next year! Shortlisting is in progress…
 

Events

BAPRAS

BFIRST are coming to the BAPRAS Congress 2024! (4-6th December)

We are hosting a session on the 5th December in the afternoon, with talks from surgeons about Reconstructive Surgery in conflict zones and Plastic Surgery in low resource settings. 

Confirmed speakers include: 

   
Mr Naveen Cavale and Ms Ailbhe Kiely will be giving talks based on their experiences in Tanzania earlier this year.
 

   
Ms Clare Kelsey and Ms Jasmine Carney will be giving a talk about nursing and allied professionals subcommittee on BFIRST


Ms Victoria Rose will be giving a talk about her experiences in Gaza.


Dr Budzan will be giving a talk about his experiences in Ukraine.  

 

We will also be having a tapas night social on the Wednesday evening at 7.30pm, there will be 40 FREE tickets available – 20 for residents and 20 for consultants. Tickets will be available at our stand at BAPRAS on Wednesday, first come first serve! This will be generously sponsored by Scottvale and Triangle Surgical.

If you can’t make the dinner join us for drinks afterwards! We look forward to seeing you there!

Fundraising

Cycle for BFIRST 
Well done to Team BFIRST completing the London to Brighton Cycle Ride in September!

To date they have raised a fantastic £1934 which will help us educate and train surgeons in resource limited countries.

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far! Its not too late to support our amazing cycling team by donating here!

Or you can use the QR code below!

Other 

BLAPRAS national plastic surgery conference teaching opportunity

Barts and the London Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (BLAPRAS) are running a National Plastic Surgery Conference on 1^st February 2025.

This event is aimed at undergraduates will include practical workshops for delegates, including – microsurgery, flap reconstruction, ear reconstruction and a virtual reality workshop.

BLAPRAS are looking for help leading these workshops, if you are interested or would like to know more information please let us know!
 

How can I help?

Volunteering

BFIRST is keen for surgeons, nurses and allied specialists to all get involved. Please do get in touch if you are interested. Reconstructive surgery is a team sport!

Also, if you have ideas for new projects that you would like to start, perhaps in new countries, or in areas we already work in, we would love to hear about these, and discuss further.