#JustAnOrthoWorkshop

On the 12th of October 2024, Malaysian Students’ Surgical Society (MSSS) in collaboration with UKM Surgical Society hosted #JustAnOrthoWorkshop, a comprehensive orthopaedic skills workshop at the UKM Specialist Children’s Hospital which attracted aspiring surgeons from across Malaysia. Designed for medical students eager to dive into hands-on orthopaedic practice, this nine-hour event ran from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The day began with registration at 8:00 am, creating a buzz of anticipation as students prepared for a full schedule of interactive learning. The participants gathered in the seminar room to begin the event. Opening remarks by the emcee and the workshop’s sponsor, Initaniaga, set a collaborative and encouraging tone as we kickstart the event.

The first session launched participants into a one-and-a-half hours basic surgical skills workshop where participants rotated through practical stations covering instrument handling, various suture types (simple, continuous, horizontal, and vertical mattress), and one-hand knot tying. This immersive experience aimed to provide the foundation of surgical skills while instilling confidence and precision and bridging textbook knowledge with real-world application.

After a break with refreshments at 10:30 am, participants gathered for the workshop’s official morning ceremony. Inspiring speeches by the organizing chairperson, MSSS president, and the event’s chief guest underscored the vital role of orthopedic surgery in healthcare, particularly as Malaysia faces an increasing demand for specialized care.

The keynote lecture, led by Ms. Michelle Lim, offered a preparatory guide for students interested in orthopaedics during housemanship. Her talk underscored the expectations, challenges, and opportunities specific to orthopaedic departments, helping students prepare for their clinical placements. Following this, a talk from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) was given by Associate Professor Dr Shalimar Abdullah shared exciting developments in orthopedic research and upcoming opportunities in the field, energizing students to consider a future in this specialty. A photography session and presentation of tokens of appreciation wrapped up the morning segment, capturing the enthusiasm and camaraderie among the attendees.

Following a lunch break, the workshop resumed with two more hands-on rotation sessions, each lasting for one-and-a-half hours. These two sessions involved Kirschner wires for skeletal traction which were led by Dr. Ricky Ng Lim Hong and Dr Syed Arshad Ahamed bin Syed Anees Ahamed, and Tendon repair technique, which were led by Dr Hemaraj Kunasekaran. The Kirschner wire for skeletal traction session exposed the participants to the importance, applications and the biomechanics of tractions. Before performing the procedures themselves, the participants were demonstrated on the K-wire insertion technique while emphasis on aseptic techniques, positioning and safety precaution were also highlighted.  On the other hand, the tendon repair technique session highlights the tendon repair techniques commonly used in orthopaedic. Dr. Hemaraj Kunasekaran led the session as he introduced and explained the importance of tendon repair before proceeding to demonstrate Kessler stitches used in tendon repair, step-by-step. After the demonstration, the participants were able to apply the knowledge and skill by practicing the techniques on the provided goat leg tendons. These rotations reinforced the basic surgical skills taught in the morning session and introduced additional skills tailored to orthopedic procedures, with professional guidance at every step. The repetition and focused instruction allowed students to gain confidence, refining their techniques in a supportive, practice-oriented setting. 

The day concluded with a closing ceremony led by the vice-organizing chairperson. As students reflected on their journey from theory to practice, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. They left the workshop not only with new skills but also with a renewed passion for surgery and a deeper understanding of the potential career pathways within orthopaedics. A photo taking session was also held to commemorate the unforgettable experience. 

Through this hands-on experience, #JustAnOrthoWorkshop provided students with a unique opportunity to learn core orthopedic skills in an interactive, physically engaging setting. The MSSS and UKM Surgical Society have set a benchmark with this workshop, inspiring participants to consider orthopaedics seriously and pursue further specialization in this crucial field. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, workshops like these play an essential role in preparing the next generation of skilled and compassionate surgeons in Malaysia. Looking ahead, it’s clear that the enthusiasm sparked here will fuel the next steps in these students’ careers, inspiring them to pursue surgical excellence and innovative healthcare solutions for the benefit of all!