SARA ALZAAI (ABU DHABI)
Young Emirati surgeons are eager for a boost with the launch of the inaugural Resident Surgery Education Week by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group.
Commenced on Thursday, April 25, the two-day event aims to equip UAE medical residents with practical and theoretical skills in surgical techniques and career planning.
Speaking to Aletihad, young surgeons shared their passion to enhance their expertise and deliver unparalleled care in their home country.
The Week covers topics such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, dissection techniques, and vessel isolation, while also providing opportunities for young surgeons to learn about the latest advancements in surgery from renowned surgeons.
On the first day, the programme covered success in surgery, mentorship, failure management, professionalism, open surgical skills, dissection techniques, vessel isolation, assistant roles, hemostasis, basic techniques, ergonomics, and anastomosis.
For the second day, the programme will cover career development, innovation, and research in surgery, including open surgical skills, laparoscopic and robotic techniques, microsurgery introduction, and hands-on sessions with world-renewed surgeons.
In conversation with Aletihad, Dr. Cristiano Quintini, the Institute Chair of General Surgery at the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, shared the inspiration behind launching the event.
"We want to create the best surgical school in the world. To achieve this goal, we need to start from the basics: Mastering basic surgical techniques, acquiring foundational knowledge, and embracing essential attributes such as professionalism and mentorship."
"Engaging with residents and trainees from all over the country and the region to exchange perspectives, we aim to enhance the learning experience," Dr. Quintini noted.
The event is led by Dr. Teresa Diago Uso, Staff Physician in General Surgery at the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Addressing the event, Dr. Uso said: "Today, we are inaugurating the Annual Resident Surgical Education Week. It is crucial for us to impart knowledge to the younger generations, not just our residents at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, but also those from across the country or around the world. We have named it 'annual' because we intend to hold it every year."
Dr. Uso highlighted the event's focus this year, stating: "Our particular focus this year is on the UAE. As we are just starting out, we believe in beginning small, learning from any missteps, and then expanding. Our primary focus remains on the residents, but we are also open to interns or medical students with a passion for surgery, as we anticipate around 30 to 40 attendees."
She further emphasised the importance of innovation as a surgeon, stating: "What makes the clinic unique is their commitment to innovation and their support for it. When it comes to new technologies, the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi always opts for the latest and most advanced. It is not just the administration; it is the surgeons, the medical therapies — it is part of the culture. The goal is always to provide the best care for the patient."
Dr. Nouran Alkhoori, an Emirati medical chief resident at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, who completed her training in Australia, shared insights about the programme.
"This hospital offers training similar to what we have overseas; the same technology, mentorship, and doctors. I was pleasantly surprised to find the same level of practical training here, working hands-on with my peers alongside attending physicians, just as I would have experienced in Western countries with more advanced medical techniques."
"It is one of the best programmes I have experienced, and I have rotated in seven different hospitals both in the country and abroad. So, the level of support, protection, and knowledge we receive here is something I am very proud to be a part of," she added.
Dr. Ammar Al Homsi, a urology resident at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, who attended the event, also shared his experience with Aletihad. "I attended the conference to deepen my understanding of the latest surgical techniques, particularly in robotic surgery, and to network with leading experts in the field."
Dr. Al Homsi further emphasised the necessity of acquiring expertise on the latest advancements. "I am committed to incorporating the latest advancements in robotic surgery into my urology practice, learning directly from top surgeons. Focusing on cutting-edge, minimally invasive techniques enhances patient care and supports my ongoing professional development," he added.
Dr. Rashed Rowaiee, a second-year urology resident at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said that the programme has exceeded expectations in terms of the quality of delivery.
“We have been fortunate to have this opportunity at our home institution,” he said.
He said that his aim is to become a competent surgeon who's able “to serve my local community and deliver the best care possible at all times”.