The Oswestry/AO Trainee Research Travelling Fellowship saw a second registrar from The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, for the second consecutive year, take part in a pioneering fellowship, funded by the Orthopaedic Institute.
Kahlan Al Kaisi, Speciality Registrar, visited Charité Universitätsmedizin (University Hospital) in Berlin, Germany back in May for two weeks.
The AO Foundation is a medically guided, not for profit organisation with a global network of surgeons, specialising in education, innovation and research of surgical treatment for trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.
Kahlan said: “I had a great experience in Berlin, working with the team at Charité Universitätsmedizin. During my time I was involved in trauma meetings, theatre and clinics, as well as research. I am planning to return to Berlin in September to complete some of the research we started.
“I also had the opportunity to meet other Fellows from countries including China, Greece, Ukraine and Slovenia, and experience German culture in Berlin.
“I’d like to say thank you to the RJAH Arthroplasty Team, Orthopaedic Institute and AO Foundation for the opportunity.”
Mr Tosan Okoro, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Oswestry-based hospital, undertakes a thorough recruitment process, which requires registrars to submit a personal statement, an up-to-date CV and research proposal, before being invited for an interview. The chosen registrar after interview then gets the opportunity to embark on the fellowship.
He said: “As well as gaining clinical experience and research knowledge, fellowships are a fantastic opportunity for new life experiences and networking with colleagues working in orthopaedics across the world.
“I’m keen we continue to foster the relationship between RJAH, the Orthopaedic Institute, and the AO Foundation to further improve our research, clinical outcomes and training opportunities.”
The Orthopaedic Institute have funded one more registrar to take part in the Oswestry/AO Travelling Fellowship, in 2025.
Debra Alexander, Fundraiser for the Orthopaedic Institute Charity, said: “We were thrilled to be able to support Kahlan on the travelling fellowship.
“It was a unique opportunity to gain experience of different research methods and the most innovative approaches to patient care from this world-renowned institution.”
