Jawad Ahmad 2013
It was an honour to travel with the Travelling Surgical Society on their trip to Virginia as Price Thomas Travelling fellow. It was a great opportunity to learn about the American healthcare system and the history of Civil war.
I had the opportunity to present one of my research papers – a trainee’s perspective of surgical training in the UK in Richmond, and a second in Charlottesville, both at the main University teaching hospitals. I was also amongst the judging panel to award the prize for the best presentation at both University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University hospitals.We also attended M&M and Grand Rounds.
I had the opportunity to attend theatres and watch a laparoscopic gastric bypass during our visit to Martha Jefferson Hospital.
I learned a lot about American history during this trip. We visited the houses of Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe and Civil war museums. During these guided tours, we also learnt about the surgical practice of the 18th century.
We stayed in a very nice hotel in Charlottesville and dined at some really prestigious restaurants and enjoyed a five course dinner at Keswick Hall. For me, whole of the trip was fully sponsored, I felt so well looked and totally spoiled.
The tour was thoughtfully organised for surgeons’ spouses as well. When the surgeons were attending the hospitals, their spouses visited art centres, museums and shopping malls.
In essence, this was a great opportunity for me to learn from senior surgeons about career in surgery and life in general. This tour was a perfect example of business with pleasure and I would encourage my peers to apply for future Price Thomas fellowships and will certainly encourage surgeons to become members of the Travelling Surgical Society.
Jawad Ahamd